Bondi Bloodbath: Fears Terror Attack Death Toll to Rise as 12 Fight for Life and Community Mourns 15 Innocent Lives Lost
- Father and son terrorists Sajid and Naveed Akram unleash horror on Chanukah by the Sea event, killing 15 and injuring at least 40
- Third bomb found at scene, as police reveal father’s 10-year gun licence and possession of six firearms
- Community in shock, with tributes pouring in for victims including French soccer player Dan Elkayam, beloved Rabbi Eli Schlanger, and Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman
The death toll from the devastating terror attack at Bondi Beach has risen to 15, with at least 40 people injured and 12 still fighting for their lives. The community is reeling in shock as the full extent of the horror unfolds. The massacre, allegedly carried out by father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram, has sent shockwaves across the nation.
In a heartbreaking development, a third bomb was found at the scene on Monday, sparking fears of further violence. Police have revealed that Sajid, who was shot dead at the scene, had held a firearms licence since 2015 and possessed six firearms. Naveed, 24, remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital and is expected to face criminal charges.
As the community comes to terms with the tragedy, tributes have begun to flow in for the victims. French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his condolences to the family of French soccer player Dan Elkayam, who was among those killed. Beloved Rabbi Eli Schlanger, head of the Chabad mission in Bondi, and Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman have also been identified as victims.
Reuven Morrison, a grandfather, was gunned down in the attack, while photographer Peter Meagher has also been confirmed as one of the victims. A 10-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man are among the 15 people killed, with the ages of the deceased ranging from 10 to 87.
Australian Council of Jewry chief executive Alex Ryvchin has told CNN that a friend of his had lost his 12-year-old daughter in the attack. A community reception centre has been set up at the InterContinental Sydney to assist families of those affected by the shooting.
Anti-Semitism envoy Jillian Segal has urged Labor to fully implement her official recommendations to combat racial hatred against Jews, warning that “hate words” have progressed to “hateful action”. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has demanded an overhaul of the government’s approach to tackling anti-Semitism, branding the massacre as the “darkest day” in Australian history since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
As the investigation continues, police have seized six firearms from the scene and from a location in Campsie, which was searched by police on Sunday night. Flags will fly at half-mast across the country today, as the nation mourns the loss of 15 innocent lives.