New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, right, and Kellie Sloane, leader of the opposition, the New South Wales Liberal Party, lay wreaths at a tribute for shooting victims outside the Bondi Pavilion at Sydney's Bondi Beach. (Photo: AP)Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday called for national unity after a “terrorist attack” at Sydney’s Bondi Beach killed at least 15 people and left 40 others injured, in what authorities say is Australia’s worst mass shooting in almost 30 years.
Islamic State flags found: Two homemade ISIS flags were discovered in a vehicle linked to the younger suspect, along with improvised explosive devices. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the attackers were motivated by ‘Islamic State ideology’.
Alleged shooters identified: Australian authorities have identified the alleged shooters in the Bondi Beach attack as Naveed Akram, 24, a man from the city’s south-west, and his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram. Sajid Akram died at the scene, while Naveed Akram, who was wounded, remains under police guard in the hospital. The duo had visited the Philippines in November, with the reasons for the trip under investigation.
Gun Laws tightened : Albanese announced Australia’s plans to strengthen its already tough gun laws with new measures that will restrict who gets a license. Following an emergency national cabinet meeting, Albanese said Australia would move quickly to strengthen gun laws. “We have agreed to accelerate the digitisation of gun records and ensure licences are not issued in perpetuity,” he said.
According to a spokesperson for NSW Health, 24 patients are still being treated in hospitals around Sydney for injuries sustained during the Sunday attack on Bondi Beach, as reported by CNN's Jessie Yeung and Hilary Whiteman.
The patients' conditions are as follows: 16 are in stable condition, 5 are critical but stable, and 3 are in critical condition .
Naveed Akram, one of the alleged shooters involved in the Bondi Beach attack, has emerged from a coma and is currently in hospital, NSW police confirm.
Akram was in a critical condition after being shot by police during the incident on Sunday. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. (The Guardian)
Australian police Tuesday said a mass shooting at a Hanukkah event on Sydney’s Bondi Beach was a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State or ISIS group.
Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said investigators believe the attack was driven by extremist ideology, news agency Associated Press (AP) reported.
Fifteen people were killed and dozens injured when gunfire broke out during the event on Sunday. Read More
The father and son accused of carrying out the Bondi Beach mass shooting spent most of November in the Philippines, with the father entering the country as an “Indian national”, according to immigration officials quoted by The Guardian.
Philippine immigration said Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, arrived from Sydney on 1 November with Davao listed as their destination and left on 28 November. Immigration spokeswoman Dana Sandoval told The Guardian: “Sajid Akram, 50, Indian national, and Naveed Akram, 24, Australian national, arrived in the Philippines together last November 1, 2025 from Sydney, Australia.”
A bystander who wrestled the gun from one of the Bondi Beach shooters has been identified as 43-year-old Ahmed al Ahmed, a fruit shop owner and father of two.
Video footage of the incident shows Ahmed tackling one of the gunmen from behind to wrestle a long-barrelled gun from him, before being fired at. His cousin told 7News Australia late on Sunday that he had been shot twice in his arm and hand, while his parents told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that he had been shot at four to five times. Read more
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, right, and Kellie Sloane, leader of the opposition, the New South Wales Liberal Party, lay wreaths at a tribute for shooting victims outside the Bondi Pavilion at Sydney's Bondi Beach. (Photo: AP)
A woman helps a child place flowers at a tribute at Bondi Beach on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 following Sunday's shooting in Sydney, Australia. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declined to reveal details about the nationality of the Bondi Beach attackers, citing the ongoing investigation. The father-son duo, identified as Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram, are suspected of carrying out the deadly attack, which killed 15 people and injured 24 other.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has rejected suggestions that focusing on gun reform is a distraction from addressing the root causes of terrorism, saying both are necessary.
"We have to do all these things together. That is the truth," Minns said, emphasizing the need for tighter gun controls and policies tackling anti-Semitism. "Taking one action would be nowhere near enough to combat the scale of the challenges that are in front of us," he added.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, who just says the two gunmen had recently travelled to the Philippines.
”The reasons why they went, the purpose and where they went while they were there, is under investigation at the moment," he says.
Earlier, ABC News cited security sources as saying the gunmen named in local media as Sajid and Naveed Akram - travelled to the Philippines to receive "military-style training" in the month before the Bondi Beach shooting.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has strongly defended the police response to the Bondi Beach shooting, rejecting claims that they failed to live up to their responsibilities.
Minns praised the bravery and integrity of the NSW police, saying they engaged the gunmen with handguns and saved many lives. Two police officers are currently in critical care in hospital after being shot while confronting the attackers.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and state leaders have agreed to tighten gun laws following the Bondi Beach shooting, which left 15 people dead. The proposed measures include limiting gun ownership to Australian citizens, improving background checks, and restricting certain types of firearms ¹ ² ³.
Key Proposed Reforms:
(With inputs from agencies)
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that the Bondi Beach shooting is likely linked to Islamic State ideology, citing evidence including Islamic State flags found in the vehicle of the attackers.
Albanese described the ideology as a "radical perversion of Islam" and emphasized that it is a global problem. The attack, which killed 16 people, is being investigated as a terrorist incident. (The Guardian)
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the National Cabinet has agreed to strengthen the country's gun laws following the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach.
The proposed changes include limiting the number of guns an individual can own, restricting certain types of firearms, and exploring citizenship requirements for gun ownership.
The government will also accelerate work on the National Firearms Register and renegotiate the National Firearms Agreement established after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
The number of patients receiving treatment across 8 Sydney hospitals has decreased to 24, with 8 now in critical or critical-but-stable condition, down from 10 earlier today. Three children are stable at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, as per reports from The Guardian.
Ahmed al-Ahmed, the 43-year-old Muslim father of two, is being hailed as a hero for his bravery in disarming one of the gunmen during the Bondi Beach shooting. He was shot twice and is recovering in St George Hospital, as reported by The Guardian.
Israeli Ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, speaks at a vigil in Bondi, expressing his grief and calling for safety for all Australians, regardless of faith, after the deadly shooting that targeted the Jewish community.
Maimon highlighted the unique security measures faced by Jewish Australians, saying it's "insane" they must worship behind closed doors and CCTV. He conveyed condolences and joined calls for the government to ensure safety for all Australians.
A surge of Australians have rushed to donate blood and plasma, with nearly 50,000 appointments made nationwide, more than double the previous record. Yesterday, 7,810 donations were collected across the country, with Lifeblood urging people to keep donating throughout the holiday season.
Israel's ZAKA Search and Rescue team has arrived in Sydney to assist authorities and the Jewish community in ensuring proper kavod hameit dignity for the dead in accordance with Jewish law, faith and tradition, following the Bondi Beach shooting.
ZAKA's CEO, Dubi Weissenstern, stated that their mission is to provide technical assistance and spiritual support to local communities grappling with the aftermath of the attack. The team brings deep experience from terror scenes, working hand-in-hand with law enforcement to preserve critical forensic evidence while ensuring the dead are treated with utmost dignity. (The Guardian)
Senior Christian leaders in Jerusalem have condemned the attack on Jewish community at Bondi Beach in Sydney, which led to the killing of at least 15 people. Around a 1,000 people had gathered at the beach to mark the Hanukkah or festival of lights, a Jewish festival when two gunmen opened fire at the crowd.
The statement issued by the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem said, "God commands us to respect all innocent human beings — this is a belief shared by all the Children of Abraham the father of the prophets," NBC News reported.
Pope Leo XIV expressed his sadness over the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney which led to the killing of 15 people and said that “those tempted to violence will undergo conversion and seek the path of peace."
Pope Leo on Monday asked for prayers for all those suffering due to war and violence, including for the victims of Sydney shooting.
"Enough with these forms of antisemitic violence. We must eliminate hatred from our hearts," Pope Leo said.
The Australian and Aboriginal flags flew at half staff on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the aftermath of Bondi Beach shootings, which left at least 15 people dead and another 40 remain injured, including two police officers.
In the capital city of Canberra, the Australian parliament also paid tributes to the victims and injured of the shootings by lowering the flag, NBC News reported.
Russia's Foreign Ministry on Monday condemned the mass shooting at a Hanukkah event in Australia and said Russian nationals were among those killed.
"We firmly condemn the barbaric attack by extremists as a result of which 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed and dozens wounded," spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on the ministry website.
"It has become known that our compatriots, permanent residents of Australia, were among those killed in the terrorist act."
Russia, she said, stands firmly in favour of an "uncompromising fight" against terrorism in any form it assumes.
Sajid and Naveed Akram, who killed at least 15 people at the Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday, told their family that they were on a fishing trip on the day of the attack.
Naveed's mother, Verena, told Sydney Morning Herald that "He rings me up and said: ‘Mum, I just went for a swim. I went scuba diving. We’re going... to eat now, and then this morning, and we’re going to stay home now because it’s very hot’."
Donations for a Sydney man who wrestled a gun from one of the alleged attackers during a mass shooting at Bondi Beach have surged past $744,000, as he recovers in hospital after surgery for bullet wounds.
Forty-three-year-old Ahmed al Ahmed, a Muslim father-of-two, hid behind parked cars before charging at one of the gunmen from behind, seizing his rifle and knocking him to the ground. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Ahmed's bravery saved lives.--Reuters
Australian federal and state government leaders have agreed to immediately overhaul already-tough national gun control laws after the Hanukkah mass shooting at Bondi Beach.
The action would include renegotiating the landmark national firearms agreement that virtually banned rapid-fire rifles after a lone gunman killed 35 people in Tasmania in 1996, a statement said.
After the authorities revealed that the older suspected gunman had held a gun license for a decade and amassed his six guns legally, PM Anthony Albanese proposed limiting the number of guns a licensed owner can obtain and reviewing existing licenses over time.
A woman from Slovakia was killed during the mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia on Sunday, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini said on Monday.
"Already yesterday, I unequivocally condemned the brutal, deadly attack... Today, that grief has reached Slovakia as well — among the victims of this senseless, violent rampage was a Slovak woman, Marika," Pellegrini wrote on X.
Already yesterday, I unequivocally condemned the brutal, deadly attack on innocent people during the Hanukkah celebrations at Australia’s Bondi Beach and expressed my deep solidarity with a nation plunged into grief and shock. Today, that grief has reached Slovakia as well —…
— Peter Pellegrini (@PellegriniP_) December 15, 2025
Bondi Beach shooting LIVE: People pay respects at Sydney's Bondi Beach after gunmen open fire and kill 15.
People pay respects at Bondi Beach https://t.co/Hm6uIgP50P
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 15, 2025
Bondi Beach shooting LIVE: Ahmed al Ahmed, the bystander who singlehandedly confronted and disarmed one of the shooters of the Bondi Beach attack in Australia’s Sydney, has taken the internet by storm for his immense bravery and courage.
Forty-four-year-old tobacco shop owner and a father of two, Ahmed charged at the gunman, wrestled the rifle away, and potentially saved countless lives.
The videos of his brave act went viral on social media, with world leaders including US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lauding him for his actions.
“In Australia, as you’ve probably read, there’s been a very, very brave person who went and attacked frontally one of the shooters,” Trump said. “[He] saved a lot of lives, a very brave person who is right now in the hospital, pretty seriously wounded.
Bondi Beach shooting LIVE: Following the vicious shooting at the Bondi Beach in Sydney, where at least 15 people were killed and over 40 were injured, organisers of the upcoming Bondi New Year’s Eve event are assessing options if they should go ahead as planned for the ticketed festival.
“Our hearts are with everyone affected by the tragedy at Bondi Beach. What happened has deeply shaken our community and all who call this place home,” a spokesman for the event company was quoted as saying by The Sydney Morning Herald.
“Our hearts are with everyone affected by the tragedy at Bondi Beach. What happened has deeply shaken our community and all who call this place home,” a spokesman for the company said in a statement.
“We will continue to work closely with NSW Police, Waverley Council and community leaders in the coming days.
“Right now, the focus is on compassion and care for Sydney’s Jewish community and all those impacted, allowing NSW Police to further progress their investigations.”
(With inputs from The Sydney Morning Herald)
Bondi Beach shooting LIVE: Among the 15 victims of a mass shooting at Australia's Bondi Beach targeting an event marking the Jewish festival of Hanukkah on Sunday were a rabbi who was a father of five, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old-girl, according to interviews, officials and local media reports.
Some 40 people were taken to hospital, including two police and four children, one of whom later died from her wounds. Police say the attack was carried out by a father and son, and their victims' ages ranged from as young as 10 to 87. The 50-year-old alleged gunman was killed by police.
Following are details of those killed:
RABBI ELI SCHLANGER, Schlanger 41, was assistant rabbi at Chabad Bondi, which put on the event.
Chabad is a global Jewish organisation whose mission is to foster Jewish identity and connection. Schlanger was British born but had lived in Sydney for the past 18 years, and had recently become a father for the fifth time. "Nothing was too big for him," said friend Alex Ryvchin who is also Co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. "He would drive out to regional parts of the state and sit with prisoners in our jails and listen to their stories. He would go to Waterloo and Redfern and to the public housing and sit with the elderly, he would listen to their stories and feed them and make sure they had meals and kosher products. He was the sort of person who illuminated our lives with kindness, his grace and generosity."
Schlanger's brother-in-law, Rabbi Mendel Kastel, said the family was "broken".
"They have fallen apart," Kastel told Reuters. Kastel said that for the rabbi's wife, her best friend's husband was also killed in the shootings.
"They were best friends through school and both lost their husbands here. The rabbi has a baby only a few months old. It's very, very difficult, it's too early to tell how they will be feeling, how it will land, they are in shock."
DAN ELKAYAM
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that French national, Dan Elkayam, was killed in the shootings.
Elkayam, who local media reported was in his late twenties and had gone down to celebrate at the festival, had been providing technical support to global media company NBC Universal in Sydney since last December, according to his LinkedIn page. He had a Bachelor's degree of computer systems and a Master of engineering systems, and was previously based in Paris.
MATILDA
A primary school student, 10-year-old Matilda, died on Sunday night, her aunt confirmed on social media, according to local media. She was a former student at Harmony Russian School of Sydney. She has been described as a “bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to those around her", local media reported.
REUVEN MORRISON
According to a report by Chabad, another victim was identified as Reuven Morrison, described as "a member of the Chabad community who divided his time between Melbourne and Sydney.
ALEX KLEYTMAN
Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, 87, attended the event with his children and grandchildren, Chabad said.
RABBI YAAKOV LEVITAN
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan served as secretary of the Sydney Jewish religious organisation Beth Din, Chabad said.
TIBOR WEITZEN
Father and husband Tibor Weitzen has been identified as one of the victims after he was fatally wounded while shielding his wife from the gunfire who survived the attack, the Daily Mail reported.
-Reuters
Bondi Beach shooting LIVE: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, on Monday (Dec 15), proposed stricter national gun laws following a mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, which killed at least 15. Albanese said that he would proposed tougher restrictions, including limiting the number of guns a licenced owner can obtain. “The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary. Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws,” Albanese told reporters.
Bondi Beach shooting LIVE: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the attack an act of antisemitic terrorism, which has struck the heart of the nation. Albanese said the evil that was unleashed was “beyond comprehension”.
“What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores in an iconic Australian location, Bondi Beach, that is associated with joy, associated with families gathering, associated with celebrations,” Albanese said Monday.
“It is forever tarnished by what has occurred.”
Bondi Beach shooting LIVE: Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lays a floral tribute at Bondi Pavilion, as the country mourned victims of its worst gun violence in almost 30 years.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lays a floral tribute at Bondi Pavilion, as the country mourned victims of its worst gun violence in almost 30 years pic.twitter.com/BpA5fqPllQ
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 15, 2025
Bondi Beach shooting LIVE: Australian authorities have identified the alleged shooters in the Bondi Beach attack in Sydney, in which at least 15 people were killed Sunday, as Naveed Akram, 24, a man from the city’s south-west, and his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, ABC News reported, quoting a senior law enforcement official.
Sajid Akram died at the scene, while Naveed Akram, who was wounded, remains under police guard in the hospital.
Citing Australian Home Minister Tony Burke, The BBC said Naveed is an Australian-born citizen, Sajid arrived in Australia in 1998 “on a student visa, which was transferred in 2001 to a partner visa and later resident return visas”.
Lanyon said the 50-year-old was licensed to own firearms in NSW, and had brought six registered guns to the beach Sunday.
He said one of the shooters was known to the authorities, but “the person that we know has very, very little knowledge to the police”. “So he’s not someone that we would have automatically been looking at this time,” he added.
Naveed Akram, a recently unemployed bricklayer, had told family members he was going on a fishing trip for the weekend.
New South Wales Police have released details about the two gunmen.
Police say that during the incident a 50-year-old man died at the scene after being shot by officers.
However, the other shooter a 24-year-old man, suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard, New South Wales Police add.
BREAKING: Australian officials have confirmed that the perpetrators of the antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney were a father and son. pic.twitter.com/6DcpXLZ1DT
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 14, 2025
World leaders condemned the deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday that killed at least 11 people during a Hanukkah event, expressing solidarity with Australia and the Jewish community.
Australian police later declared the incident a terrorist attack. Leaders from Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific sent messages of condolence and condemned the violence. Read more
The French president has expressed “deep sadness” over the death of Dan Elkayam. “I think of his family and loved ones, and express to them the full solidarity of the Nation,” he said on X, in a post in French.
J’apprends avec une profonde tristesse la mort de notre compatriote Dan Elkayam lors de l’attentat terroriste antisémite à Sydney.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 14, 2025
Je pense à sa famille et à ses proches et leur exprime la pleine solidarité de la Nation.
Police can confirm 16 people have died and 40 people remain in hospital following yesterday's shooting at Bondi.
However, it is unclear whether either number includes the suspected gunmen.
***IMPORTANT INFORMATION***
— NSW Police Force (@nswpolice) December 14, 2025
Police can confirm 16 people have died and 40 people remain in hospital following yesterday's shooting at Bondi.
More information will be made available soon.
The number of dead following the Bondi Beach shooting has risen to 16, including one child, New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park tells ABC.
It's unclear if the updated death toll includes either of the gunmen. Police said earlier one of the suspected attackers had been killed while another was in critical condition.
US Vice President Kamala Harris said she was praying for the victims of a shooting at Brown University and an antisemitic attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, saying both incidents had torn communities apart.
In a post on X, Harris said she and her husband Doug Emhoff were grateful to first responders and civilians who stepped in to save lives, and stressed that gun violence and hate must be condemned. She added that leaders must demand action, “not just thoughts and prayers”.
Last night, we went to sleep learning of another horrifying incident of gun violence, this time at Brown University.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) December 14, 2025
This morning, we woke up to news of an abhorrent, antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in Australia.
Doug and I are praying for the victims of both attacks and…
The Palestinian Authority has strongly condemned the shooting on Australia's Bondi Beach that targeted Sydney's Jewish community, according to CNN. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its "full solidarity with and support for friendly Australia, its government and people, in this painful ordeal," in a statement on Sunday.
The statement reiterated the Palestinian Authority's rejection of all forms of violence, terrorism, and extremism, and extended its deepest condolences to the government and people of Australia, as well as the families of the victims .
US President Donald Trump said Sunday that people celebrating Hanukkah should not be worried about their safety, and should “celebrate proudly,” following a shooting targeting the Jewish community that killed at least 11 people on Australia’s Bondi Beach.
Peter Doocy of Fox News said on air he “just got off the phone” with Trump and asked whether Americans observing Hanukkah should be worried about their security.
“Straight from the president, his message to people celebrating Hanukkah today, he said, ‘they do not need to be worried. They should celebrate proudly, and they should be proud of who you are, celebrate proudly,’” Doocy said.
Major US cities are increasing security at synagogues and Jewish events following a deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia. Miami Beach police are deploying resources to synagogues, schools, and key locations, while New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced additional resources will be sent to Hanukkah celebrations and synagogues.
"Innocent souls were taken by vile antisemitism and hate. May their memories be a blessing," Adams said in a statement. The Los Angeles Police Department also issued a statement, saying they will provide extra patrols at Jewish facilities and events.
There are no credible threats to the Jewish community in these cities, but authorities are taking precautions to ensure safety, as reported by the NBC news.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said that he had warned Australian PM Anthony Albanese that the country’s policies fuel antisemitism after two suspected gunmen opened fire at a Jewish holiday celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, killing at least 11 people. One of the gunmen has been killed and the second suspect is in critical condition, officials said. Read more
A mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a public Hanukkah celebration on Sunday left at least 12 people dead and several others injured. Police said two gunmen opened fire on crowds gathered for the Hanukkah event; one was shot dead at the scene while the other remains in custody. Read more
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a British-born rabbi, was killed in the Bondi attack, his family has confirmed. He served as assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, a Jewish cultural center, and was known for spreading joy and positivity.
His cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis, expressed shock and grief, saying, "How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?"
"We can only respond by doing what Eli would have wanted, what he dedicated his life to - doing more mitzvot (good deeds) and to keep spreading positive energy," Rabbi Lewis added.
Schlanger, who grew up in Temple Fortune, north London, and had family ties to Kinloss synagogue in Finchley, leaves behind his wife Chayala and their five children, including a two-month-old baby boy. (BBC )
The Prince and Princess of Wales have said their thoughts are with every Australian following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, in a personal message signed by William and Kate.
“Our thoughts are with every Australian today following the terrible attack at Bondi Beach.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and stand with the Jewish community in grief. “We are also thinking about the bravery of the emergency responders, particularly the two injured officers."
A message from The King to the people of Australia following the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. pic.twitter.com/yopJaWZF9s
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 14, 2025
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Australia “must take significant action” after “a sharp rise in antisemitism,” a statement by the Israeli Foreign Ministry said.
Speaking to his Australian counterpart Penny Wong, Saar expressed “sorrow and pain, on behalf of the people of Israel, over the murderous antisemitic attack in Sydney.” (Reuters)
A purported video reportedly shows a man tackling and disarming one of the attackers during a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia's Sydney as the shooting took place on Sunday, 14 December 2025, at Sydney’s popular Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration. Police said the attack appeared to target the city’s Jewish community. Read more
The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack in Bondi Beach," UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer posted on X, expressing solidarity with Australia.
Deeply distressing news from Australia.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 14, 2025
The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack in Bondi beach.
I’m being kept updated on the developing situation.
A man injured in the Bondi Beach “terror attack” has told local broadcaster 9News that the scene turned into “absolute chaos” as gunfire broke out during a public celebration. Speaking with a bloodied face and a bandage around his head, the man said he was at the beach with his family for a Hanukkah event when shots were fired. “It was a bloodbath, it was an absolute massacre,” he told 9News. Read more
The United States "strongly condemns" the attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday in which 12 people were killed and almost 30 wounded when gunmen fired on a Jewish holiday event, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on Sunday.
"Antisemitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia," Rubio wrote in a post on X.
The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Australia targeting a Jewish celebration.
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) December 14, 2025
Antisemitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia.
A shooting incident took place at Australia's popular Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday, targeting the country's Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration.
If you’re just joining us, here’s what we’ve been reporting so far:
The Jewish Council of Australia described the attack as a "horrific act of antisemitic violence during the Jewish festival of light and hope".
The UN chief Antonio Guterres says he is "horrified" by the shooting at Bondi Beach.
"I am horrified and condemn today’s heinous deadly attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hannukah," he posts on X.
"My heart is with the Jewish community worldwide on this first day of Hannukah, a festival celebrating the miracle of peace and light vanquishing darkness."
I am horrified and condemn today’s heinous deadly attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hannukah.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) December 14, 2025
My heart is with the Jewish community worldwide on this first day of Hannukah, a festival celebrating the miracle of peace and light vanquishing darkness.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that his country and Australia are “family,” writing on a post on X that he is “shocked by the distressing scenes at Bondi” and offering his thoughts to those affected by the attack.
— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) December 14, 2025
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the Bondi Beach shooting on Sunday a “targeted attack” on Australians where at least 12 people have been killed and one of the gunmen was neutralised, while the second suspect is in critical condition. Albanese told reporters in Canberra that he was “devastated” by the massacre.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 14, 2025
Underlining that India has “zero tolerance towards terrorism”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the deadly shooting in Australia’s Bondi Beach that left at least 12 dead and several others injured.
Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said: “On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief.”
Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 14, 2025
Director-General of Security of Australia Mike Burgess said, “We are looking at the identities of the attackers. We’re looking to see if there is anyone in the community who has similar intent. National terrorism threat level remains at probable...there is a 50 per cent chance of an act of terror."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said police and security agencies are working to determine anyone “associated with this outrage.”
Addressing the media, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “There has been a devastating terrorist incident at Bondi at the Hanukkah by the Sea celebration...This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah…An act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.”
“An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian. And every Australian tonight will be, like me, devastated [by] this attack on our way of life,” he said.
“There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear, we will eradicate it. Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity, where “Australians across the board will embrace their fellow Australians of Jewish faith at this dark moment for our nation,” he added.
In a press conference on the Bondi beach shootout, NSW Police chief Mal Lanyon term the attack a "terrorist incident."
"This is a terrorist incident," Lanyon said adding that, "Our counter-terrorism command will lead this investigation with investigators from the state crime command. No stone will be left unturned."
He said authorities are currently investigating whether there is a third offender. "We know that we have two definite offenders, but we want to make sure the community is safe," he said.
"This is not a time for retribution. This is a time to allow the police to do their duty," he added.
Lanyon said a police bomb disposal unit is currently working on several suspected improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Earlier, a suspected IED was located at the scene by the bomb squad.
A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) has been located at the scene and is being dealt with by the bomb squad, ABC News reported.
A senior law enforcement official has confirmed that one of the gunmen was Naveed Akram from Bonnyrigg in Sydney's south-west, ABC News reported.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Akram's home in Bonnyrigg was currently being raided by police.
Twelve people have been confirmed dead at the shootout at Australia's Bondi Beach, NSW Police said in a press conference. One of the dead includes an alleged shooter who was fatally gunned down by the police.
Twenty-nine people, including two police officers, have been moved to various hospitals across Sydney, a police official told the media.
Harry Wilson, a 30-year-old local who witnessed the shooting at Bondi beach, told the Sydney Morning Herald about the scenes from the site. “I saw at least 10 people on the ground and blood everywhere,” Wilson said.
Here is a timeline of events this evening in Bondi Beach put together by local broadcaster ABC.
6:45pm: Police cars and ambulances rushed toward North Bondi after gunshots were reported at Bondi Beach
7:05pm: NSW Police issued a statement, urging people to avoid Bondi Beach due to a "developing incident."
7:43pm: Authorities confirmed two people were in custody.
8:35pm: NSW Ambulance said patients were rushed to various hospitals.
8:45pm: Police confirmed 10 people had died, including one of the shooters.
9:00pm: Police confirmed they were investigating a number of suspicious items located in the vicinity of the shooting, placing an exclusion zone around the scene.
Here's what we know so far about the deadly shootout at Sydney's Bondi beach.
The attack came almost exactly 11 years after the Lindt Café siege in which a lone gunman took 18 people hostage at the Sydney establishment. Two hostages and the gunman were killed after a 16-hour standoff.
One video circulated on social media showed a man dressed in a black shirt firing a large weapon before being tackled by a man in a white T-shirt who wrestled his weapon off him. A different man was seen firing a weapon from a pedestrian bridge, Reuters reported.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Jewish people who had gone to light the first candle of the Hanukkah holiday at Bondi beach had been attacked by "vile terrorists."
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he was appalled by the shooting. "These are the results of the anti-Semitic rampage in the streets of Australia over the past two years, with the anti-Semitic and inciting calls of 'Globalise the Intifada' that were realized today," he said. Australia has experienced a string of antisemitic attacks on synagogues, buildings and cars since the beginning of Israel's war in Gaza in October 2023.
Earlier, Australian Leader of Opposition Sussan Ley pointed out that the attack occurred as the Jewish community came together at the Chanukah by the Sea celebration.
A number of suspicious items located in the vicinity are being examined by specialist officers and an exclusion zone is in place. An extensive crime scene has been established and inquiries are now underway, the New South Wales Police Force said in a statement.
At this time, a further 11 people are reported to be injured, two of which are police officers, the New South Wales Police Force said in a statement.
Reacting to the deadly shootout at Sydney's Bondi beach, Australian Leader of Opposition Sussan Ley said the loss of life from the attack is significant.
Ley pointed out that the attack occurred as the Jewish community came together at the Chanukah by the Sea celebration. "This was a celebration of peace and hope for the future, severed by hate. My heart is with Australia’s Jewish community tonight, particularly those in the eastern suburbs of Sydney — people I know well," Sussan Ley said.
She said she was providing the Prime Minister and all Commonwealth and state agencies with “the Coalition’s full and unconditional support as both governments respond to this situation.”
Today we stand together as Australians against hate in this moment of profound tragedy and shock. pic.twitter.com/NVPawp3PWo
— Sussan Ley (@sussanley) December 14, 2025
Police have confirmed that 10 people have died in the shooting, including one gunman. The other gunman is in police custody and injured, BBC News reported.
Thirteen people were taken to hospital after the shooting, a New South Wales ambulance spokesperson said.
Multiple people have been reported injured at Bondi Beach in Australia. First responders were "working to save lives" on Sunday after a shooting at Sydney's famous Beach, officials said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the shootout at Sydney's Bondi beach "shocking and distressing", adding that "emergency responders are on the ground and working to save lives."
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