Bondi Beach Massacre: Father and Son Terrorists Leave 15 Dead and Dozens Injured in Hanukkah Horror
- Fifteen people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed and over 40 injured in a terrorist attack at a Jewish festival in Bondi Beach on Sunday evening.
- A father and son, identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and 24-year-old Naveed Akram, were behind the shooting, with the younger gunman still in hospital under police guard.
- The attack, which has been described as “pure evil” by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for tougher gun laws and action against antisemitism.
A somber mood hung over Bondi Beach on Monday morning as the full extent of the devastation became clear. Fifteen people, including a child, lost their lives in a senseless act of terror that has shocked the nation.
“Yesterday was indeed a dark day in our nation’s history, but we as a nation are stronger than the cowards that did this,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, laying flowers at Bondi Pavilion earlier today.
The attack occurred during a Chanukah by the Sea event near a children’s playground at Bondi Park, with video showing two men opening fire from a bridge into the crowd. Witnesses described the sound as like fireworks or balloons popping, before “panic” set in, with up to 20 shots reported.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that the surviving gunman, Naveed Akram, is likely to face criminal charges based on his medical condition. His father, Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police in the exchange of gunfire.
The investigation into the attack continues, with homes in Bonnyrigg and Campsie connected to the father and son raided. Commissioner Lanyon said the 50-year-old man was licensed to carry six firearms, with all guns now seized.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park revealed that 38 people were injured, including four children, with over 100 ambulance personnel responding to the incident.
Among the victims was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who had been the head of the Chabad mission in Bondi for the past 18 years. The youngest attack victim, 10-year-old Matilda, was remembered by her aunt Lina as a “happy kid” who “always gives [her] cuddles”.
“Imagine you see your beautiful little sister that you love just being killed in front of you,” Lina said, struggling to come to terms with the loss. “They were like twins, they’ve never been separated.”
King Charles, US President Donald Trump, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have all condemned the attack, with Netanyahu criticizing the Australian government for not doing enough to stop the spread of antisemitism.
As the community comes to terms with the devastating attack, calls for action against antisemitism and tougher gun laws are growing. NSW Premier Chris Minns said the government would “look at” changing the law in relation to firearms legislation, while Opposition Leader Sussan Ley pledged the Coalition’s support for any action to eradicate antisemitism.