SYDNEY, Dec 14: At least 11 people were killed and 29 wounded on Sunday when two gunmen opened fire during a Jewish holiday celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Australian authorities said, declaring the assault a terrorist attack.
One gunman was fatally shot by police, while the second was arrested and remains in critical condition. Two police officers were among the injured.
One of the alleged shooters involved in the terrorist attack that took place at Bondi Beach in Australia’s Sydney on Sunday has been identified as Naveed Akram. The police were carrying out a raid at Akram’s home in Sydney’s Bonnyrigg.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the attack was classified as terrorism because of the target and the weapons used.
Authorities confirmed that one of the attackers was known to security services, though there had been no specific prior threat.
The shooting targeted a Jewish celebration
The attack occurred during Chanukah by the Sea, a public event marking the start of the eight-day Hanukkah festival, which had drawn hundreds of people to Bondi Beach. State Premier Chris Minns said the assault was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community.
Chabad, the Orthodox Jewish organisation that helped organise the event, confirmed that one of the victims was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and a key organiser of the celebration. Chabad is known globally for hosting large public Jewish holiday events.
Witnesses describe panic and chaos
Video footage appeared to show two gunmen firing from a bridge with long guns. One clip broadcast on Australian television showed a bystander apparently tackling and disarming one of the attackers.
Witnesses described scenes of terror as people fled, abandoning belongings while shots rang out.
Several witnesses said they heard dozens of gunshots over several minutes as crowds ran for cover.
Emergency services responded to reports of gunfire along Campbell Parade shortly before 6:45 pm. Police later said they were examining suspicious items, including improvised explosive devices found in one suspect’s car.
Australian and global leaders react
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as “an act of evil, antisemitism and terrorism,” saying it struck at the heart of the nation on a day meant for celebration.
He pledged that authorities would identify everyone involved and combat antisemitism with unity and resolve.
Condolences poured in from world leaders. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi denounced the “ghastly terrorist attack,” while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was being briefed. Police in London announced increased security at Jewish sites.
Antisemitism and gun violence context
Australia has seen a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, with assaults and vandalism surging more than threefold. While authorities did not directly link the Bondi attack to earlier incidents, Jewish leaders renewed calls for stronger action.
Mass shootings remain rare in Australia due to strict gun laws introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, making Sunday’s attack one of the country’s deadliest in decades. (AP)
