Sydney’s Bondi Beach Rocked by Deadly Shooting at Hanukkah Event

At least 16 people were killed in a shooting in Sydney, Australia. The attack happened at a Jewish holiday celebration on Bondi Beach. The incident occurred on the evening of Sunday, December 14.

New South Wales police have identified two shooters. They are a father and son. Forty other people were injured and taken to hospitals.

Father and Son Identified as Attackers, Terrorism Declared

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon addressed the media on December 15. He confirmed a 50-year-old man and his 24-year-old son were the offenders. The older man is deceased and the younger is in critical condition.

The shooters have been named in media reports. According to Reuters, they are Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram. Police say the father was a licensed firearms holder.

Six firearms licensed to him were recovered. Police believe all were used in the attack. The shooting began around 6:47 PM local time.

The event was a Hanukkah celebration. Approximately 1,000 people were in attendance. Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 years old.

Global Condemnation and a Community in Mourning

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns declared the attack a terrorist incident. A joint counter-terrorism operation with federal forces is underway. The community is reeling from the violence.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the site. He called the act “pure evil” and a terrorist attack driven by antisemitism. He pledged to stand with the Jewish community.

World leaders offered condolences. US and French presidents reached out to PM Albanese. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commented on the tragedy.

The Sydney shooting has left an iconic beachfront scarred. The investigation continues as a nation grieves this profound loss of life.

Info at your fingertips

Who were the shooters in the Bondi Beach attack?

Police identified them as a father and son. Media reports, cited by Reuters, name them as Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram. The 50-year-old father is deceased.

How many people were hurt in the Sydney shooting?

At least 16 people were killed. Another 40 individuals were injured and required hospital treatment. The victims included a 10-year-old girl.

What event was targeted at Bondi Beach?

The shooters attacked a crowd at a Hanukkah celebration. The Jewish holiday event had an estimated 1,000 attendees. It was held at the popular beach on a Sunday evening.

How have Australian authorities responded?

The attack was officially declared a terrorism incident. A joint counter-terrorism taskforce is investigating. Police confirmed all firearms used were legally licensed to the older attacker.

What did Prime Minister Albanese say?

He condemned the “act of pure evil and antisemitism.” He stated all Australians stand with the Jewish community. The Prime Minister vowed to stamp out antisemitism.