Australia is mourning after a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening claimed at least 15 lives and injured dozens more during a Hanukkah celebration attended by families and children.
Authorities have confirmed the incident was a targeted antisemitic terror attack and one of the worst mass shootings in the nation’s history.
Police allege the attack was carried out by a father and son, Naveed Akram, 24, and Sajid Akram, 50. The pair are accused of opening fire with hunting rifles on crowds gathered for a Jewish community event near Bondi Beach shortly before sunset. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene. Naveed Akram was seriously injured and remains in hospital under police guard, where authorities say he is expected to survive and may face criminal charges.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that investigators believed he had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist group.
Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, confirmed that Naveed Akram had previously been investigated by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation in 2019 after concerns he had been accessing extremist material and associating with radicalised individuals. That investigation concluded there was no indication at the time that he posed an immediate or ongoing threat. Both ASIO and police have confirmed that the men were known to authorities prior to the attack.
The Australian PM wrote on X:
“We stand with Jewish Australians and we stand against hatred and violence. Australia is stronger than those who try to divide us and we will come through this together.”
Investigators have stated that Sajid Akram was a licensed firearm owner and legally possessed six guns under New South Wales law, holding a licence for recreational hunting. Police recovered firearms believed to have been used in the attack, along with an Islamic State flag found in a vehicle linked to the suspects.
Health authorities say dozens of people were taken to hospital following the shooting, with many requiring surgery. As of Monday, 27 people remained in hospital, including several in critical condition. Victims include children, elderly community members and a former police officer who was working as a freelance photographer at the event. The youngest confirmed victim was a 10 year old girl who later died from her injuries.
The attack prompted widespread grief and solidarity from across the world. Vigils were held at Bondi Beach, where hundreds gathered with candles to mourn the victims and stand with the Jewish community. Many Hanukkah celebrations were cancelled amid security concerns, while others proceeded quietly under heavy police presence. Sydney residents responded to urgent appeals for blood donations, with centres reporting unprecedented demand.
Attention has also focused on acts of bravery amid the chaos of the attack. A bystander, Ahmed al Ahmed, was seriously injured after confronting one of the gunmen and wrestling a rifle from him, forcing the attacker to retreat as crowds fled in panic. Mr Ahmed was shot several times during the confrontation and remains in hospital, where he is recovering after undergoing his first surgery. Police and witnesses have credited his actions with saving lives.
Footage of the moment, showing Mr Ahmed, a 43 year old shopkeeper, tackling the armed attacker, spread rapidly across social media and was viewed around the world. The images prompted widespread praise and an outpouring of support for Mr Ahmed, who has been described as a hero for his intervention.
A fundraising campaign established to assist with his recovery has since raised close to one million Australian dollars, or about £500,000, according to GoFundMe. The largest single donation came from Bill Ackman, the billionaire chief executive of Pershing Square Capital Management, who contributed 99,999 Australian dollars, around £49,000, the maximum permitted online donation. Mr Ackman described Mr Ahmed as a hero for helping to save lives during Sunday’s attack.
The Australian Prime Minister has convened an urgent national cabinet meeting to review firearm laws and ensure consistency across states and territories. New South Wales officials have also signalled potential reforms to gun licensing arrangements, particularly in cases involving recreational firearm ownership.
Leaders in Australia and overseas have condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of those killed. In statements, officials emphasised unity against hatred and antisemitism, and pledged to confront extremism and violence.
Police investigations are continuing into the planning, motive and any possible links to extremist networks. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation and misinformation as inquiries proceed.
Australia now faces a period of national mourning, reflection and debate, as communities seek to honour the victims and address the questions raised by the violence at one of the country’s most iconic public spaces.
