Bondi Beach Shooting in Sydney: 15 Killed in Terrorist Attack at Hanukkah Event

Sydney, Australia — A mass shooting at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration on 14 December 2025 has left 15 people dead and scores injured, in what authorities are treating as a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community. The incident occurred in the late afternoon near Campbell Parade while the “Chanukah by the Sea” event was underway, prompting widespread panic as gunfire erupted.

Attack Unfolds During Hanukkah Celebration

The shooting began just after 6:45 p.m. AEDT, when two gunmen opened fire from a footbridge overlooking the crowd near the playground at Bondi Beach Park. Eyewitnesses described hearing sustained bursts of gunfire and screams as participants including families with children fled for cover.

Police designated the incident a terrorist attack, citing both the location and the fact that the event was a religious festival. Authorities reported 15 victims killed, with ages ranging from 10 to 87 years old, and at least 42 people injured, including bystanders and emergency responders.

Suspects Identified: Father and Son

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that the attack was carried out by two gunmen who appeared to act together. One of the shooters, a 50-year-old man, was killed in a police shootout at the scene. The second suspect, his 24-year-old son, was critically injured and taken to hospital under police guard, where officials say he is likely to face criminal charges as his medical condition stabilises.

Law enforcement sources identified the surviving suspect as Naveed Akram, a man from Sydney’s south-west whose home in Bonnyrigg was searched by police in the aftermath of the attack. Investigators also executed a raid in Campsie, detaining people believed to be connected to the street where the pair had stayed prior to the shooting.

Terrorist Motive and Antisemitism

Officials have indicated that the attack was motivated by antisemitism, targeting a Jewish religious gathering on the first night of Hanukkah, a major festival in the Jewish calendar. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labelled it “evil beyond comprehension” and described the violence as a targeted attack on Jewish Australians.

Community leaders and survivors highlighted the fear gripping Jewish residents and visitors, many of whom had attended the well-attended annual festival. The assault has drawn comparisons to other high-profile antisemitic attacks internationally, as Jewish organisations call for increased protection and solidarity.

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Scenes of Chaos and Heroic Acts

Video and social media footage captured the moment when crowds tried to flee the beach, with many people diving behind parked cars and buildings to escape the gunfire. In one widely reported instance, a bystander tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen during the attack a moment credited with potentially saving lives amid the chaos.

Emergency crews responded rapidly, with over 100 paramedics and specialist units at the scene. Multiple helicopters, ambulances and police vehicles were deployed, and authorities established an extensive exclusion zone to secure the area and protect civilians.

Casualties and Victim Details

Among the victims was a 10-year-old girl, confirmed by officials as one of those killed, as well as several elderly attendees. Names of other victims have yet to be fully released, but state health officials confirmed that the dead ranged broadly in age. Many survivors remain hospitalised, with some in critical condition.

Two police officers also sustained serious injuries during the response, including gunshot wounds, but are reported to be in stable condition after surgery.

Government and Security Response

In the immediate aftermath, authorities intensified security across New South Wales, deploying hundreds of officers to protect Jewish community sites, including synagogues and schools. The national terrorism threat level was elevated, and a joint counter-terrorism task force was established to lead the complex investigation.

Prime Minister Albanese pledged federal support for victims’ families and assured the public that law enforcement would pursue all leads. Flags across the country were ordered to fly at half-mast, and national vigils were planned to honour the victims.

Public Mourning and International Condemnation

The attack has prompted an outpouring of grief both in Australia and abroad. International leaders condemned the violence, expressing solidarity with Australia and the Jewish community. Governments in the United States, United Kingdom and across Europe released statements decrying antisemitism and reaffirming commitment to combating hate-motivated attacks.

Local vigils have been held near Bondi Beach, with residents and visitors laying flowers and candles for the victims. Diaspora communities worldwide also held moments of silence, and Jewish organisations urged greater efforts to address rising antisemitic rhetoric and violence.

Debate Over Gun Laws and Public Safety

The shooting has reignited debate in Australia over firearm regulations, public safety measures and the handling of extremist threats. While Australia’s gun laws are among the strictest globally, officials noted that the attackers possessed legally held firearms, adding urgency to calls for potential legislative reforms at both state and federal levels.

NSW Premier Chris Minns indicated that changes to firearms legislation would be considered, and policymakers pledged a review of licensing and storage rules to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Investigation Continues

Police say the investigation remains active, with forensic teams combing the crime scene and authorities examining social media, communications and possible motives. Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation and to rely on verified updates as the inquiry proceeds.

The Bondi Beach attack stands as one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australia’s history and the most lethal terror attack in the country in decades, leaving a lasting impact on national security, community relations and public consciousness.