A violent, targeted attack during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach has left at least 16 people dead and dozens injured, Australian officials confirmed Monday, calling the incident an act of terrorism fueled by antisemitism.
The shooting erupted Sunday night as members of the local Jewish community gathered for “Hanukkah by the Sea,” an event marking the first night of the holiday. More than 1,000 people were present when two gunmen opened fire, triggering chaos along the crowded beachfront.
Authorities said at least 40 people were rushed to hospitals with injuries, including three children and two police officers. Among the dead was a 12-year-old child, underscoring the scale and brutality of the attack.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the suspects were a father, 50, and his 24-year-old son. The older man was fatally shot by police at the scene, while the younger suspect, identified as Naveed Akram, a Pakistani national living in Sydney, was taken into custody and remains hospitalized in serious condition. Police initially misidentified which suspect was killed but later clarified the details.
Officials reported that the death toll rose overnight from 12 to 16 as victims succumbed to their injuries. It remains unclear whether the suspects are included in the official fatality count.
“This is a devastating moment for the entire state, and particularly for the Jewish community,” said New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park. “What unfolded was the worst of humanity, but we also witnessed extraordinary bravery from first responders and bystanders.”
The international Jewish organization Chabad confirmed that Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a prominent leader and one of the event’s organizers, was among those killed. Authorities have not yet released the full list of victims.
Police classified the incident as a terrorist attack, stating that the gunmen used long firearms, such as rifles or shotguns. Shortly after the shooting, officers discovered a vehicle on Campbell Parade… running parallel to Bondi Beach… containing what are believed to be multiple improvised explosive devices. Bomb disposal units were immediately deployed to secure the area.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese both described the attack as deliberately aimed at Jewish Australians.
“This was an act of pure evil… an act of antisemitism and terrorism… at a place known for joy, family, and celebration,” Albanese said during a Monday morning news conference. “Bondi Beach is an iconic symbol of Australia, and it has been forever scarred by what occurred.”
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine whether additional individuals were involved and to ensure there are no further threats to public safety.
