A devastating shooting at Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach has left the nation reeling after a father and son allegedly opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 attendees before security forces ended the rampage. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the site Monday, describing the Sunday evening attack as terrorism driven by antisemitism at one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks.
The tragedy unfolded as roughly 1,000 people gathered in a beachside park for Jewish holiday festivities on a hot summer evening. The peaceful celebration turned into chaos lasting approximately ten minutes as two gunmen targeted the crowd, sending hundreds fleeing in panic across the sand and into surrounding streets. The location’s usual atmosphere of joy and family connection was replaced by scenes of horror that witnesses say they will never forget.
Police have confirmed that both attackers were related, with the older man, Sajid Akram, 50, killed during the confrontation with law enforcement. This brought the overall death count to 16. His son Naveed Akram, 24, survived with critical injuries and remained under medical care and police supervision. Investigators are working to determine how the pair planned and executed what officials are calling a deliberate attack on the Jewish community.
Forty individuals continued receiving medical treatment following the assault, including two law enforcement officers whose conditions were described as serious but stable. The wounded ranged from a 10-year-old child to an 87-year-old elder, underscoring the attack’s impact across generations. Notably, Ahmed al Ahmed, who operates a local fruit shop, became an unexpected hero by physically confronting and disarming one of the shooters, though he sustained bullet wounds requiring surgery.
This incident represents the most severe gun violence Australia has witnessed in almost thirty years, shattering the relative peace the country has enjoyed following strict firearms legislation. The prime minister’s characterization of the event as “pure evil” reflected the national sentiment of grief and anger. As flags flew at half-mast across the nation, Australians grappled with the reality that their cherished beach destination had become the site of targeted religious hatred and violence.