A deadly Bondi Beach shooting left 15 people dead and more than 40 injured on Sunday evening in Sydney. Two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration attended by around 1,000 people. Witnesses reported hearing nearly 50 gunshots at the crowded beachfront location. The attack occurred on the first night of the eight-day Jewish festival.
Police identified the attackers as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24. Sajid Akram was killed during a shootout with responding officers. Naveed Akram was taken to hospital in critical condition and remains under police guard. Authorities said the situation unfolded rapidly, prompting large-scale emergency response.
New South Wales Police issued an alert at 7.47 pm local time, warning people in the area to take shelter. Officers secured Bondi Beach as paramedics treated the injured. Several witnesses said the gunmen fired indiscriminately, including at children and elderly people. Bystanders were seen performing CPR before ambulances arrived.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the scenes as shocking and distressing. He said police and emergency teams acted swiftly to save lives. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said Australians stand united against hate and violence. The Australian Jewish Association criticised the government, saying the Jewish community now fears for its safety.
