Australia is reeling after a deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday night, where two gunmen opened fire on a Jewish Chanukkah celebration, killing at least ten people, including children, a police officer, and one of the attackers.
The shooting occurred shortly before 7pm near Bondi Beach Park, where families had gathered for Chanukkah by the Sea, a community event marking the first night of the Jewish festival of lights. What was meant to be a peaceful celebration quickly descended into chaos as gunshots rang out across the crowded beachfront.
Police have confirmed that one of the shooters was Naveed Akram, who was shot and killed by officers at the scene. The second gunman was critically injured during the confrontation and remains in police custody under heavy guard.
NSW Police established an extensive exclusion zone across Bondi and surrounding suburbs as specialist officers investigated reports of suspicious items, including a suspected improvised explosive device near a pedestrian bridge. While no secondary attack has been confirmed, authorities have described the incident as a targeted act of extreme violence.
More than 25 people were rushed to hospitals across Sydney, including children taken to Sydney Children’s Hospital. Among the injured were two police officers who responded to the initial emergency calls. Witnesses described scenes of panic as beachgoers fled, with some seeking refuge inside nearby homes and businesses.
Drone and mobile phone footage from the scene captured dramatic moments during the attack. Video appears to show the gunmen firing from an elevated position near a bridge, wearing ammunition belts and carrying multiple firearms, including semi-automatic weapons. In one widely shared clip, a bystander is seen bravely rushing one of the attackers, wrestling a shotgun away as shots continued to ring out.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the scenes as “shocking and distressing,” confirming he had spoken with the NSW Premier and the Australian Federal Police Commissioner.
“My thoughts are with every person affected,” the Prime Minister said. “Police and emergency responders are working to save lives, and Australians should follow official advice.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns echoed those sentiments, urging the public to avoid the area and allow emergency services to carry out their work.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley condemned the attack as “hateful violence” directed at a community gathered in peace.
“This was a celebration of hope, brutally severed by hate,” she said, praising first responders and civilians who acted with courage.
International condemnation followed swiftly. Israel’s President Isaac Herzog described the shooting as a “vile terrorist attack against Jews,” while leaders from across Australia’s Muslim community issued a joint statement condemning the violence and calling for unity and solidarity.
As night fell over Bondi, the usually vibrant beachfront remained eerily silent, cordoned off by police tape and flashing lights. For many Australians, the attack has reopened painful questions about public safety, extremism, and the protection of multicultural communities in public spaces.
Police investigations into the motive, planning, and movements of the attackers are ongoing.
