World
Man who disarmed Sydney Bondi Beach attacker identified 43-year-old Ahmed Al Ahmed
Authorities have identified the civilian who intervened during the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney as Ahmed Al Ahmed, 43, whose actions are being widely credited with preventing further loss of life.
Police confirmed that Al Ahmed confronted and disarmed one of the attackers during the chaos, despite being shot twice in the process.
He was transported to a hospital for treatment and is expected to recover, officials said.
The intervention occurred amid a mass shooting during a “Chanukah by the Sea” Hanukkah event on Sunday evening, which authorities are investigating as a suspected terror attack.
According to NSW Police, two gunmen opened fire on the crowded beachfront gathering shortly after 6:40 p.m., triggering panic as hundreds of attendees fled the area.
Officials report that dozens of shots were fired.
Video footage reviewed by investigators appears to show two individuals dressed in black firing what looked like shotgun-style weapons from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club.
Police later confirmed that at least 10 people were killed, with some briefings citing up to 12 fatalities as victim identification continues.
More than 11 people were injured, several critically. One suspect was killed at the scene, and another remains hospitalized in critical condition.
One of the suspected attackers has been identified as Naveed Akram, 24, as investigators work to determine motive and whether the attack was coordinated with others.
Authorities have described the incident as an antisemitic assault targeting a religious celebration.
The attack drew swift condemnation and expressions of condolence from leaders in Australia and abroad.
International reaction included criticism of the timing of an earlier social media post by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had shared Hanukkah greetings shortly before news of the attack broke; he later issued condolences.
Australian officials and Israel’s president publicly mourned the victims and praised the bravery of first responders and civilians who acted to protect others.
Police have increased security measures across Sydney and continue to urge the public to avoid the immediate area while the investigation remains active.
Further updates are expected as authorities release confirmed casualty figures and additional details regarding the suspects and circumstances of the attack.
Crime
Video Shows Gunman Nael Jalani Shooting Inside Ateneo de Zamboanga University campus in Barangay Tumaga, Zamboanga City
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two students were reportedly injured in an alleged shooting at a private university high school campus in Zamboanga City on Tuesday morning, prompting a major police response and an investigation into how a firearm entered the school premises.
According to initial reports, a student allegedly opened fire inside the university’s high school campus. The incident caused panic among students and staff as authorities responded to the scene.
Local reports also indicated that the suspect livestreamed the shooting on social media, including through Facebook. Some local media outlets have identified the alleged gunman as Nael Jalani, although police have not yet independently confirmed the suspect’s identity.
Police officials said two students were victims of the shooting, but their current medical conditions were still being determined as authorities continued their investigation.
Police Regional Office 9 spokesperson Police Major Shellamie Chang said investigators were working to establish the identity of the suspect and determine how the firearm was brought onto the university campus.
Authorities have not yet released comprehensive details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting, including the suspect’s motive or whether the victims were specifically targeted.
Reports indicate that the alleged shooter broadcast portions of the incident through a social media livestream.
The livestream reportedly showed the shooting unfolding inside the university high school campus. Authorities are expected to examine the social media material as part of the investigation and to establish a detailed timeline of the incident.
Some reports have also circulated claims that multiple people may have been killed, but those reports had not been fully confirmed by authorities at the time of the initial information.
The Police Regional Office 9 is investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including how the firearm was brought into the private university.
Investigators are expected to interview witnesses and examine available surveillance footage and social media evidence as they work to determine what happened.
Authorities have not yet released a confirmed motive for the shooting.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials are expected to provide additional information regarding the victims’ conditions, the suspect’s identity and any potential charges as more facts become available.