Bondi Beach shooting: What we know after the tragic terror attack during Hanukkah event

On Sunday evening, Sydney’s Bondi Beach was the scene of a devastating mass shooting that authorities have officially described as a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community during Hanukkah celebrations.

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Yesterday’s Bondi shooting incident has left the city and the nation in shock and mourning.

Here’s what has been confirmed, what officials are saying now, and what comes next.

What happened

Just before 6.47 pm AEDT on Sunday, two armed men opened fire on crowds gathered at the “Chanukah by the Sea” Hanukkah event near Archer Park at Bondi Beach, a popular eastern suburbs location where families, children and visitors had congregated to celebrate the Jewish festival of lights. Police later confirmed the attack was a terrorist incident motivated by antisemitism.

Witnesses described hearing multiple shots, panicked crowds running for cover and chaos unfolding within minutes as people on the beach and in nearby parks sought safety. Police and emergency services quickly responded, cordoning off the area and urging the public to avoid Bondi while the situation developed.

Casualties and arrests

Authorities have confirmed at least 16 people have died, including one of the attackers, and dozens more have been injured, with figures around 38 people wounded, including police officers. One suspected gunman was shot dead at the scene by police, and a second shooter was found critically wounded and taken into custody. An exclusion zone remains in place as investigations continue.

Police also discovered suspected improvised explosive devices in a vehicle associated with one of the shooters, which were later rendered safe by specialist bomb disposal teams.

Who was involved

While the investigation is ongoing, New South Wales police identified one of the alleged attackers as Naveed Akram, a Sydney resident known to authorities but not previously considered an immediate threat. A third possible suspect remains under investigation.

Victims include men, women and children. Among them was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a respected organiser of the Bondi Jewish community’s Chanukah celebration, who was killed during the attack.

Acts of bravery

Amid the horror, heroic acts by civilians and first responders were widely reported.

One bystander, identified locally as 43-year-old fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, is being praised for tackling and disarming one of the attackers, an act that officials and community leaders say saved many lives. He was later hospitalised with gunshot wounds.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns both thanked those who helped others during the attack, calling them heroes whose bravery prevented further tragedy.

Official responses

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the shooting as an “act of evil antisemitism” and vowed that Australia would confront hate and violence. He convened a meeting of the National Security Committee, reaffirmed support for the Jewish community and said the nation must remain united against division and terror.

NSW Premier Chris Minns echoed these sentiments, calling the events “deeply distressing” and reiterating that the community should follow police directions as the investigation continues.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon officially declared the incident a terrorist attack and urged calm, stressing the importance of community cohesion while the criminal investigation unfolds.

King Charles III also issued a statement condemning the tragedy, saying he and Queen Camilla were “appalled and saddened” by the antisemitic violence and praising the courage of emergency services and civilians who acted to protect others.

What authorities are advising now

Police and government officials have urged people not to travel to Bondi Beach while the area remains an active crime scene and forensic investigations continue. Emergency services are treating it as an ongoing major incident.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has kept the nation’s terrorism threat level at “probable,” meaning there is a significant likelihood of future attacks. Officials have said they are reviewing security measures at community centres and places of worship.

What comes next

Investigators are continuing to examine the motives behind the attack, including any links to extremist ideologies or overseas influences. Authorities have also indicated they will review how the suspects acquired their weapons, and whether more individuals were involved or inspired by external actors.

The incident has prompted increased security around Jewish institutions nationwide and a national conversation about rising antisemitism in Australia. Leaders from across the political spectrum and international allies have condemned the violence, expressed condolences to victims’ families, and reaffirmed support for Australia’s multicultural society.

The Bondi Beach shooting is one of the deadliest acts of violence in modern Australian history, striking at the heart of a community gathered for a peaceful celebration. As emergency services continue their work and the nation responds with unity and shock, the focus remains on supporting the victims, holding perpetrators to account and standing resolutely against hatred in all its forms.

Visit official NSW Police and the Australian Government’s emergency channels for the latest verified information.

This article was prepared with AI assistance and then carefully reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by our Digital Team.

Feature image: Canva Pro