12 Dead in Bondi Beach Shooting in Sydney; One Gunman Killed, Another Detained

A Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach turned deadly on Sunday.

When two gunmen dressed in black opened fire on a large crowd, killing at least 12 people and injuring several others, according to local media reports. The New South Wales Police confirmed that two suspects were involved. One of the gunmen was killed in an exchange of fire with police, while the second was wounded and taken into custody. Authorities said more than 50 shots were fired, triggering panic along the crowded beachfront as people fled or sought shelter indoors.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as “shocking and distressing.” “Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected,” Albanese said in a statement.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack, calling it “vile.”

“Our sisters and brothers in Sydney have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Chanukah,” Herzog said, adding that Israel was praying for the wounded and mourning those killed.

Suspect Identified, Terror Angle Probed

Australian authorities have identified one of the gunmen as 24-year-old Naveed Akram, a resident of Bonnyrigg in south-west Sydney. Security agencies have conducted raids at his residence as part of an ongoing investigation into possible ideological or extremist motivations.

Counter-terrorism teams are examining whether the attack was planned in advance and whether it was motivated by extremist narratives, particularly given that it targeted a religious and cultural gathering with high public visibility. Investigators are analysing digital footprints, online activity, and potential overseas links. However, authorities have not officially confirmed the motive or established any ideological affiliations at this stage.

Area Locked Down, Police Issue Warning

NSW Police said the area remained under lockdown as security operations continued. “The police operation is ongoing and we continue to urge people to avoid the area,” NSW Police said in a post on X, advising anyone at the scene to take shelter.

Emergency services confirmed that multiple victims were transported to hospitals across Sydney.

Disturbing Videos Surface Online

Videos circulating on social media captured moments of chaos as gunfire rang out. In one clip, a voice can be heard shouting, “They are shooting, get down, get down,” as people scatter for cover. Another widely shared video showed an unarmed bystander confronting and overpowering one of the attackers. The footage showed the man taking cover behind parked vehicles before charging the gunman from behind.

Broader Concerns Raised

According to ABC News, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry recorded 1,654 anti-Jewish incidents in the 12 months to October 1. Israeli officials said warnings about rising antisemitism had not been adequately addressed. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the incident, calling it a “ghastly terrorist attack.”

“Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of Hanukkah,” Modi wrote on X. Authorities continue to investigate the attack as a possible act of terrorism, urging the public to rely on official updates as the probe progresses.