Australia is grappling with the aftermath of a deadly mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that has left at least 15 people dead and dozens injured, prompting renewed calls for tougher gun laws. The attack, which authorities have declared a terrorist incident, took place during a public gathering and has deeply shaken the nation.
According to officials, 27 people reportedly remain hospitalised across Sydney, with several in critical condition. Among those injured is a bystander who was captured on video tackling one of the armed attackers in an attempt to stop the violence. Emergency services responded swiftly, and patients are being treated at multiple hospitals across the city.
Authorities confirmed that the Jewish community was specifically targeted. Victims include a 10-year-old girl, the youngest to lose her life, and an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor who died while shielding his wife from gunfire. Several community leaders were also killed, including rabbis and organisers connected to a Hanukkah event being held at the beach.
Police fatally shot the primary suspect, a 50-year-old man, at the scene. His 24-year-old son, who was also involved, is currently hospitalised and is expected to face criminal charges. Investigators revealed that the older man held a recreational hunting licence, while Australia’s security agency had previously assessed that there was no imminent threat posed by the younger suspect.
As details continue to emerge, the country has entered a period of mourning. Thousands of bouquets have been laid near Bondi Pavilion, where mourners gathered to pay tribute to the victims. Community members, Jewish leaders, and national officials attended vigils, with hymns sung and the Australian national anthem played in remembrance.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that stricter gun regulations, including tighter licensing rules and time limits, will be placed on the Cabinet’s agenda. The shooting marks Australia’s deadliest mass attack in nearly three decades and has reignited a national debate on gun control, public safety, and extremism.
Who are these people?
Two gunmen who killed at least 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney have been identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, as per BBC. Sajid was shot dead by police at the scene, while Naveed remains in critical condition in hospital under police guard. Authorities say the attack targeted the Jewish community, and investigators believe the pair pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, with one of them having been examined by Australia’s domestic intelligence agency over ties to an IS-linked cell in 2019.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the motives and background of the shooters, while communities mourn the victims and call for unity against hatred and terror
