Bondi Beach Terror Attack Leaves 12 Dead During Hanukkah Event

Sydney | December 15, 2025

Australia is mourning after a deadly mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach left at least 12 people dead and 29 injured, including two police officers, in what authorities have confirmed was a terrorist attack targeting a Jewish community event.

The shooting occurred on Sunday evening during a Hanukkah celebration, known as Chanukah by the Sea, attended by around 1,000 people, alongside other members of the public enjoying the beach.

What Happened

Police say the attack began just after 6:40 pm when two gunmen opened fire from a bridge overlooking Bondi Beach and nearby barbecue areas. Witnesses reported hearing dozens of shots as crowds fled in panic.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and were met with what police described as a mass casualty situation.

Authorities confirmed:

12 people were killed
29 people were injured, including two police officers, in serious condition
One gunman was shot dead at the scene
The second gunman is in hospital under police guard
Two additional arrests were made in western Sydney

Terror Attack Confirmed

NSW Police formally designated the shooting a terrorist incident, confirming it was a targeted attack on a Jewish Hanukkah event.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the attack shattered what should have been a peaceful celebration.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence as an act of “evil antisemitism”, saying Jewish Australians were deliberately targeted.

Suspects and Explosives Discovery

Police identified the deceased attacker as 24-year-old Western Sydney bricklayer Naveed Akram.

Investigators later located a vehicle linked to the attackers on Campbell Parade, Bondi, containing several improvised explosive devices. The devices were secured and are now undergoing forensic examination.

Police also carried out multiple raids in Bonnyrigg, in Sydney’s west, where one of the suspects is believed to have lived. Streets were temporarily locked down as part of the counter-terrorism operation.

Attacker Known to Authorities

NSW Police and ASIO confirmed that one of the gunmen was known to authorities, but not assessed as an immediate threat prior to the attack.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said the national terror threat level remains at “probable”, meaning there is a 50 percent chance of a terror incident.

Police urged the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified identities or speculation online.

Heroic Civilian Action

Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with victims lying injured on the sand as people attempted to help.

A bystander, Ahmed el Ahmed, was widely praised after bravely disarming one of the gunmen, an act police believe may have saved multiple lives. Footage shows him restraining the attacker and preventing further shots.

Witness Accounts

Several witnesses said the gunmen fired indiscriminately into the crowd.

Jewish chaplain and paramedic Vladimir Kotlyar, who was attending the Hanukkah event, said victims were shot without warning as families celebrated.

Others described stampedes, elderly people falling, and confusion as people mistook gunfire for fireworks.

Public Support and Information

NSW Police have opened a Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) to support those affected.

PIIC Hotline: 1800 227 228
Operating 24 hours

The centre will assist families searching for loved ones, people who left belongings behind, and those seeking updates. A public memorial site is also being established near Bondi Beach.

Lifeline has released guidance for parents on helping children cope with trauma, advising calm explanations, reassurance, and professional support if distress continues.

International Reaction

Messages of support have come from leaders around the world.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, expressed condolences to Australians and solidarity with the Jewish community.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the civilian who confronted the attacker, while also criticising Australia’s handling of antisemitism, comments that have sparked political debate.

A Nation in Mourning

The Bondi Beach attack is one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which reshaped the country’s gun laws.

As investigations continue, authorities say there is no confirmed wider threat at this stage, but security has been increased nationwide.

Australia now faces renewed grief, reflection, and questions about extremism, community safety, and protecting public gatherings.