Sixteen people, including a gunman, are dead following what police have declared a terrorist attack on a Jewish festival at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, as leaders condemned the violence as an act of “pure evil” antisemitism.
The shooting unfolded about 6.45 pm on Sunday during a Chanukah by the Sea event marking the first night of Hanukkah, attended by at least 1,000 people near Bondi Park. NSW Police say two gunmen, identified by police sources as a father and son, opened fire from a bridge into the crowd.
Naveed Akram, 24, was apprehended at the shooting and was taken to hospital where he remains under police guard in a critical but stable condition. His father, Sajid Akram, 50, who owned a fruit shop, died at the scene.
Fifteen victims, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed. The total death toll stands at 16. A further 38 people were injured, with 29 taken to hospital, including two NSW police officers who remain in a critical but stable condition.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government would act decisively following the attack.
“We stand with them, we stand against antisemitism, we will do whatever is necessary to stamp it out,” he said.
“Australia will never submit to division, violence or hatred, and we’ll come through together. We refuse to let them divide us as a nation.”
NSW authorities confirmed the incident has been declared a terrorist attack, with federal agencies joining the investigation. Police are not looking for a third suspect.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said investigators were “satisfied there were two offenders involved”, adding that one was deceased and the second was in hospital in a critical but stable condition.
The older gunman, aged 50, held a firearms licence for 10 years and had six registered firearms, all of which have now been seized.
Police also confirmed two “basic” explosive devices were found at the scene but had not been activated. Homes linked to the alleged attackers in Bonnyrigg and Campsie have been raided.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the attack was “an intolerable situation” and confirmed the government would examine gun law reform.
“We need to fight antisemitism, it is toxic, it is cancerous within a community, and as you can see from last night, it leads to devastating implications,” he said.
Among those killed was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who had led the Chabad mission in Bondi for 18 years. Local rabbi Mendel Kastel told ABC News he lost his brother-in-law in the attack, saying: “My family was here. My wife and kids were here. And unfortunately I lost my brother-in-law here last night.”
World leaders also condemned the violence. US President Donald Trump described it as a “terrible” and “purely antisemitic” attack, while King Charles said he was saddened by “the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack” and praised the “heroic actions” of police, emergency services and members of the public.
The Bondi Beach crime scene remains active as investigations continue.
Source: ABC.
