Bondi Beach Shooting: Deadly Attack on Hanukkah Celebration in Sydney, Australia

On 14 December 2025, a mass shooting was reported at the iconic Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. At least 16 individuals are reported dead leaving several injured during a Hanukkah festival, in what Australian authorities and world leaders have described as a terrorist attack with possible anti-Semitic intentions.

The Incident

Shortly before 18:50 hrs. local time (AEDT) on Sunday, 14 December 2025, gunfire broke out near Campbell Parade on Bondi Beach (33°53'22.2"S 151°16'42.9"E https://maps.app.goo.gl/oGAwTpeCswqLkW7J7 ), where a large crowd had gathered for a community event called “Chanukah by the Sea” (part of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah) celebrations.

According to eyewitnesses’ multiple shooters were present at the event, pulling fire on the crowd. One witness described hearing “about 50 shots” in a few minutes.

The New South Wales Police Force responded quickly, declaring the area an active crime scene and urging the public to avoid the beach and follow police instructions.

Casualties and Victims

Authorities have confirmed:

• 16 people were killed, including one of the shooters.
• At least 40 people were injured, including two police officers.
• Dozens of people were rushed to hospitals across Sydney with gunshot wounds and other trauma.
• Among the victims were members of Sydney’s Jewish community attending the Hanukkah event. Reports indicate that a rabbi named Eli Schlanger and another attendee, Alex Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor, were among those killed.

Suspects and Investigation

Police say two gunmen were involved:

One shooter was killed at the scene by police. The second shooter was shot, taken into custody, and is reported to be in a critical condition.

A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) was retrieved from a vehicle and was safely removed by a bomb squad.

Law enforcement sources named a suspect as Naveed Akram, reportedly from the Sydney suburb of Bonnyrigg, whose home was raided by police in the hours post the shooting.

Police investigations are ongoing to determine motive, any broader network involvement, and whether other accomplices might be connected to the attack.

Heroic Intervention

Amid the chaos, a civilian identified by media as 43‑year‑old fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed was filmed tackling and disarming one of the shooters before police arrived. His brave action was widely praised by Australian leaders as having “saved many lives.”

He reportedly sustained gunshot wounds during the intervention and was hospitalized.

Official and Public Reactions in Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the incident as “shocking and distressing” and has described it as a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has urged the people to follow safety instructions and stay clear of the scene.

The New South Wales Police Commissioner designated the incident as a terror attack, and agencies including the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) are involved in the investigation.

The attack is considered as one of the deadliest in Australia’s recent history, second only to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.

International Reactions

World leaders and governments condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Australia:

United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres denounced the violence and called for protection of communities.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla issued statements expressing sorrow and support for the Jewish community.

Israeli officials confirmed that at least one Israeli citizen was killed and another injured in the incident.

Various countries, including Argentina, Canada, Finland, and France, condemned the attack, emphasizing rejection of anti-Semitism, terrorism, and hatred.

In Ireland, police increased patrols around Jewish community events in response to concerns about security following the attack, and government leaders condemned the violence as “appalling and anti-Semitic.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the shooting and underlined India’s position on terrorism:

“Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief. India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and supports the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism.”

Context and Security Implications

Bondi Beach is one of Australia’s most famous public spaces, drawing locals and tourists alike. Mass shootings are extremely rare in Australia due to strict gun laws enacted since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, making this event particularly shocking nationally and internationally.

Authorities are investigating whether the attack was motivated by anti-Semitism, given the timing and location during a Jewish festival, but full motive disclosure may take time as the investigation continues.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety

Police have established a broad security perimeter around Bondi Beach, and the New South Wales Police Force continues forensic and intelligence work to identify all variables in the case, including possible third parties or supporters.

Emergency services remain on alert, with warnings to the public to avoid the area as detectives gather evidence and interview witnesses.

The 10 min video in the above link shows the majority of the altercation from the bridge, where the terrorists were shooting from. The link below shows the actions of hero bystander Ahmed al-Ahmed.