World
16 dead, 40 injured after shooting attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney
Sydney, Australia — Authorities say at least 16 people were killed and approximately 40 others wounded in a mass shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, an attack officials have described as an act of antisemitic terrorism targeting a public Hanukkah celebration.
The violence erupted shortly after 6:40–6:45 p.m. local time during a large public gathering known as “Chanukah by the Sea,” held along Campbell Parade at one of Australia’s most popular beaches.
Thousands of people were in the area at the time, including hundreds attending the Jewish community event marking the start of the eight-day Hanukkah festival.
According to New South Wales Police, two gunmen opened fire, discharging dozens of rounds and causing widespread panic as beachgoers fled the shoreline.
Video recorded by witnesses shows people running from the water and promenade as gunfire rang out, while separate footage appears to show two men dressed in black firing long guns from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club.
Police have provided varying casualty figures as victim identification continues, but officials now confirm:
- At least 16 people killed
- Approximately 40 people injured, including two police officers
- One suspect fatally shot by police
- A second suspect arrested and hospitalized in critical condition
One of the suspected attackers has been identified as Naveed Akram, 24, according to law enforcement sources.
Police confirmed that one gunman was previously known to security services, though there was no specific or imminent threat warning prior to the attack.
Investigators are also examining suspicious items, including possible improvised explosive devices discovered inside one of the suspect’s vehicles.
Authorities have identified the bystander who intervened during the attack as Ahmed Al Ahmed, 43, who is being widely praised for his bravery.
Police say Al Ahmed tackled and disarmed one of the attackers amid the gunfire.
He was shot twice during the confrontation and transported to a hospital. Officials report that he is expected to recover.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting, calling it “antisemitic terrorism that struck at the heart of the nation.”
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns stated plainly:
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community.”
Chabad, the Orthodox Jewish organization that sponsored the event, confirmed that Rabbi Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and one of the event’s organizers, was among those killed.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed the death of an Israeli citizen, without releasing further details.
International leaders expressed condolences following the attack.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had posted Hanukkah greetings shortly before news of the shooting emerged, later issued a statement mourning the victims.
Australian leaders and Israel’s president likewise condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community.
The Bondi Beach massacre is being described as Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades, occurring in a country known for strict gun control laws.
It comes amid a documented surge in antisemitic incidents nationwide, including assaults, vandalism, threats, and arson attacks on synagogues, homes, and businesses—particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, where the majority of Australia’s Jewish population resides.
According to the government’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, reported antisemitic incidents increased more than threefold in the year following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.
Police continue to secure the area and investigate the full scope of the attack, including the suspects’ motives, potential accomplices, and whether additional threats exist.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant as the investigation remains active.
Indian police confirmed Tuesday that Sajid Akram, one of the two gunmen responsible for Sunday’s deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, was an Indian citizen who emigrated from India nearly three decades ago.
Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, allegedly opened fire on attendees at the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration, killing 15 people and injuring several others.
In a statement, police in India’s southern state of Telangana said Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad and migrated to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment.
“Based on information available from family members in India, Sajid Akram maintained minimal contact with his relatives in Hyderabad over the past 27 years,” the statement said.
Authorities noted that Akram returned to India on six occasions following his migration, primarily for family-related matters such as property issues and visits to elderly parents.
Police added that he did not return to India even at the time of his father’s death.
Indian officials emphasized that there were no adverse records or criminal history associated with Akram during his time in India.
Family members told investigators they were unaware of any extremist views, radical activity, or behaviors that might have suggested violent tendencies.
“The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana,” the police statement said.
Australian immigration records list Naveed Akram, 24, as an Australian citizen, according to authorities.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as an act of terrorism and stated that investigators believe the suspects were motivated by Islamic State ideology, with the intent of instilling fear within Australia’s Jewish community.
He announced plans to pursue stronger gun control measures, noting that the older suspect legally possessed a firearms license for recreational hunting.
Authorities and community leaders have begun publicly identifying victims of the attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration meant to mark the beginning of the Jewish holiday.
Those confirmed deceased include religious leaders, community volunteers, elderly residents, a retired police officer, a young immigrant, and a child.
Among the victims identified so far are:
- Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, assistant rabbi of Chabad of Bondi
- Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Levitin, 53, Chabad emissary and Sydney Beth Din secretary
- Alex Kleytman, 87, a Ukrainian Holocaust survivor
- Dan Elkayam, 27, a recent immigrant from France
- Reuven Morrison, 62, who reportedly attempted to confront the attackers unarmed
- Matilda Britvan, 10, who attended the event with her family
- Tibor Weitzen, 78, remembered for protecting others
- Peter Meagher, 61, a retired police officer and volunteer photographer
- Marika Pogany, 82, a longtime community volunteer
- Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, a married couple who reportedly attempted to disarm one of the attackers, actions believed to have saved lives
Officials said additional victim names may be released as the investigation continues and families are formally notified.
Police identified the alleged attackers as Sajid Akram, who was killed at the scene, and his son Naveed Akram, who remains hospitalized in critical condition under police guard.
Video circulating online appears to show two men dressed in dark clothing firing long guns from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club as crowds fled in panic.
This remains an active and developing investigation. Authorities in Australia and India continue to coordinate as officials seek to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the attack and its radicalization pathway.
May the victims’ memories be honored and their families supported during this time of profound loss.