Bondi Beach Terrorist Attack Leaves 12 Dead at Jewish Event

SYDNEY, Australia — UPDATE (Dec. 14, 11:47 PM ET): Australian authorities now say the Bondi Beach Hanukkah attack involved two suspects, a father and son. Police confirmed the father, who held only an Australian visa, was legally licensed to own firearms and had six registered guns in his name. He was killed by police at the scene. The son remains hospitalized under police guard. Officials have described the attack as terrorism and say the investigation is ongoing.

The Incident

Twelve people are confirmed dead and at least twenty nine others injured after a terrorist attack during a Jewish community Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, authorities said. One terrorist was shot and killed by police at the scene, while a second remains in custody in critical condition. Two police officers were shot and hospitalized, and one Israeli citizen is among the dead.

Terrorists firing from bridge at Bondi Beach in Australia

New South Wales Police formally declared the incident a terrorist attack, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the shooting was a targeted act of terrorism against Australia’s Jewish community.

How the Attack Unfolded

The shooting began shortly after 6:45 p.m. local time during a Hanukkah celebration attended by families and community members near Campbell Parade at Bondi Beach.

Police said two terrorists opened fire on the crowd, triggering panic as people fled toward the beach and nearby streets. Emergency services were quickly overwhelmed with calls reporting multiple victims and active shooters.

Specialist police units arrived within minutes and engaged the attackers. One terrorist was shot and later died at the scene. The second was wounded and taken into custody. Authorities said he remains in critical condition under police guard.

image of Terrorist firing from bridge circulating social media

Victims and Injuries

Authorities confirmed twelve people were killed, including one of the terrorists. Twenty nine people were injured and transported to hospitals across Sydney.

Two police officers were shot while confronting the attackers. Both officers underwent surgery and are expected to recover.

Officials also confirmed that one Israeli citizen was among those killed. The identities of other victims have not yet been released pending family notifications.

Hospitals activated mass casualty protocols as victims were treated for gunshot wounds and trauma injuries sustained during the attack.

Civilian Intervention

Video and eyewitness accounts show that a civilian intervened during the attack, tackling one of the terrorists despite being shot.

The man was identified as Ahmed El Ahmad, a 43 year old father of two and fruit shop owner. Authorities confirmed he was shot twice during the incident and survived. He is expected to recover.

**Ahmed El Ahmad**, a 43 year old father of two and fruit shop owner disarmed a suspect

Police acknowledged acts of civilian bravery but cautioned against intervention during active shooter situations.

Suspects and Evidence

Police confirmed the attack involved two terrorists acting together.

A senior law enforcement official identified one of the terrorists as Naveed Akram, from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s southwest. The second terrorist has not yet been publicly identified.

image containing suspect drivers license, Naveed Akram, Bondi Beach Terrorist

Authorities said the terrorists used long guns and shotguns. Specific weapon models will be detailed in a forthcoming police report.

Investigators also located an explosive device inside a vehicle linked to the terrorists. Bomb disposal teams secured the area, and the device is being examined as part of the counterterrorism investigation.

Attack Declared Terrorism

New South Wales Police formally declared the shooting a terrorist incident, stating it was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community during a religious celebration.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the timing and location of the attack made the intent clear.

Prime Minister Albanese convened a national security meeting following the shooting and described the incident as a devastating terrorist attack.

Formal Statement by Prime Minister Albanese

International and Community Response

Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed one Israeli citizen was among the victims and said it is coordinating with Australian authorities.

World leaders issued statements condemning the attack and offering condolences to the victims and their families.

Jewish community organizations across Australia increased security measures and canceled public events as a precaution.

Investigation Ongoing

Police said the investigation remains active, involving counterterrorism units, forensic teams, and intelligence agencies.

https://twitter.com/Osint613/status/2000167034811027556?s=20

10 minute witness video from incident posted to social media/X

Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage, cell phone video, and witness statements. Police said further updates will be released as information is confirmed.

UPDATE: New Details Emerge on Bondi Beach Hanukkah Attack Suspects

New information released by Australian authorities indicates that the Bondi Beach Hanukkah attack involved two suspects identified as a father and son, adding further detail to the ongoing investigation.

According to police and government officials, the father, a 50-year-old man, was shot and killed by responding officers at the scene, while his 24-year-old son was wounded and remains hospitalized under police guard. Authorities have not yet announced whether formal charges have been filed against the surviving suspect.

Investigators confirmed that the father held only an Australian visa and was not an Australian citizen, a detail now drawing scrutiny as part of the broader review of licensing and vetting procedures. Officials stated that the father was legally licensed to own firearms and had six registered guns in his name. Police believe weapons used in the attack were obtained through that legal registration.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and senior law enforcement officials have described the shooting as a terrorist attack with antisemitic intent, targeting a public Hanukkah gathering. Federal authorities have announced a national review of firearms regulations, including proposals to limit the number of firearms a single license holder may possess.

Police have credited the actions of a civilian who intervened during the attack, stating that the individual disarmed one of the attackers, potentially preventing further casualties.

Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active, including a review of prior intelligence contacts involving the suspects. Officials cautioned that additional details regarding motive, planning, and potential warning signs may emerge as the inquiry continue