Mass Shooting Strikes During Hanukkah Celebration
A terror attack unfolded at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening when two gunmen opened fire on crowds celebrating Hanukkah. The shooting killed at least 12 people, including one of the attackers. A further 29 people sustained injuries, with two police officers among those in serious condition.
The violence erupted just after 6.40 pm as hundreds gathered for the Jewish festival celebrations. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon declared the incident a terrorist attack, confirming the death toll and injuries. A second alleged gunman remained in critical condition at hospital.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterised the attack as terrorism targeting Jewish Australians. “This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians, a day of joy, a celebration of faith,” Albanese stated. He added that no place exists for such hate and violence in the nation.
A full 10-minute video of shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia.
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— Earned My Freedom 🇺🇸 (@_LoveTheUSA) December 14, 2025
Eyewitnesses Report Chaotic Scenes
Local residents reported hearing up to 50 gunshots as the attack unfolded near Campbell Parade. Video footage captured one gunman, dressed in dark clothing and white pants, firing repeatedly at beachgoers. The shooter paused to reload his rifle as people screamed and fled.
🚨BREAKING: Police indicate Bondi Beach Hanukkah shooting was a planned attack targeting Jewish event.
Among the 10 fatalities: One police officer and children confirmed killed.
Investigators believe planning occurred months in advance.
Two suspects in custody.… pic.twitter.com/tLIvNcOjZJ
— EzeNews (@EzeBets) December 14, 2025
A 30-year-old local, Harry Wilson, witnessed the carnage firsthand. “I saw at least 10 people on the ground and blood everywhere,” Wilson reported to authorities. Another witness, identified only as B, described the scene as resembling a war zone.
This witness helped two young children, aged five or six, who were hiding beneath a vehicle. Their mother had been shot twice, sustaining wounds to the back of her neck and shoulder. He applied pressure to her wounds for approximately 20 minutes until paramedics arrived.
A detailed eye witness account of the shooting at Bondi Beach.
“There were FOUR police officers there, and they didn’t shoot back. They just stood there and didn’t do anything”
That pretty much sums up the west in a nutshell. Even with guns, they’re a bunch of pussies. And the… pic.twitter.com/PKw0DuvcXO
— Chaya’s Clan (@ChayasClan) December 14, 2025
Hero Bystander Disarms Gunman
Ahmed el Ahmed, a 43-year-old father of two, emerged as a hero during the chaos. The bricklayer wrestled a rifle away from one of the gunmen, potentially preventing further casualties. El Ahmed’s quick thinking and bravery may have saved numerous lives at the beach.
Remarkable. That’s the true Australian spirit. pic.twitter.com/HI8Pu6wmLI
— Craig Kelly:🇦🇺Foundation for Economic Education (@craigkellyAFEE) December 14, 2025
Police later identified the deceased gunman as Naveed Akram, a 24-year-old western Sydney resident. The second alleged gunman remained hospitalised in critical condition. NSW Police extended their investigation to Bonnyrigg, a western Sydney suburb, where two people were arrested.
Naveed Akram, the deceased gunman
Timeline of the Bondi Shooting
- 30 pm: Residents report gunfire and emergency vehicles heading to North Bondi.
- 05 pm: NSW Police urge people to avoid Bondi Beach and seek shelter.
- 37 pm: Police confirm two suspects are in custody, and operations continue.
- 46 pm: Multiple fatalities are reported as ambulances transport victims to hospitals.
- 49 pm: Police confirm ten deaths, including one suspected shooter. Another suspect is critically injured.
- 00 pm: An exclusion zone is established as police recover suspicious items near the scene.
- 22 pm: Police raid a property in Bonnyrigg in connection with the shooting.
- 36 pm: The attack is officially classified as a terrorist incident.
- 03 pm: NSW Premier Chris Minns announces twelve confirmed deaths.
- 14 pm: Police reveal that improvised explosive devices were found in a car linked to the deceased gunman.
Emergency Response and Investigation
NSW Police deployed more than 40 ambulance resources to the scene, including helicopters. Patients were rushed to hospitals across Sydney, with Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick receiving multiple casualties. The police operation established an exclusion zone around the shooting location.
Bomb disposal experts removed several improvised explosive devices from a vehicle parked on Campbell Parade. These devices were linked to the deceased gunman. Police Commissioner Lanyon stated that no other connected incidents occurred elsewhere in Sydney.
Mass shooting at bondi beach in Australia.
7 October 2023 It was Israel.
Today its Australia.Same people same mindset. They came to this world to harm life, destroy life. pic.twitter.com/IOrXwpNesC
— Lax 🇮🇳 (@lkantalk) December 14, 2025
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon declared the incident a terrorist attack and authorised special investigative powers. “No stone will be left unturned,” he stated. Authorities pledged to follow all leads connected to the gunmen and protect community safety.
ASIO’s Role and Security Concerns
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation began investigating the gunmen’s identities and motivations. ASIO director-general Mike Burgess confirmed that one suspect was previously known to authorities. However, officials had not deemed this individual an immediate threat prior to the attack.
“It’s important to stress at this point, we have no indications of further threats,” Burgess explained. ASIO nonetheless launched active investigations to determine whether others harboured similar violent intentions. The security agency promised a thorough examination of how warning signs were assessed.
Community Grief and Response
The Jewish community expressed profound shock and devastation at the targeted attack. Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler released a statement condemning the violence. “This is a day of profound grief,” Leibler declared. “Members of our community have been murdered, others seriously injured, and families shattered.”
Leibler emphasised the symbolic nature of the attack. “A sacred moment of light has been turned into darkness,” he said. He argued that an attack on Jews celebrating their faith constitutes an attack on Australia itself and represents an assault on national values.
Independent federal MP Allegra Spender, representing Wentworth, expressed deep sadness. “This breaks my heart and breaks the hearts of all of us who love our diverse community,” Spender stated. She highlighted the vital role the Jewish community plays in her electorate and the nation.
While the Jewish community gathered in Sydney to mark the first night of Chanukah, our community was subjected to a horrific act of violence.
This is a day of profound grief. Members of our community have been murdered. Others have been seriously injured. Families are shattered.…
— Jeremy Leibler (@jeremyleibler) December 14, 2025
Government Response and Crisis Coordination
NSW Premier Chris Minns convened a late-night crisis cabinet meeting to coordinate the response. Key ministers and government agencies received briefings and updates on the unfolding tragedy. Minns appealed to all Australians to support the Jewish community during this difficult period.
“Our heart bleeds for the Jewish community tonight,” Minns said. “I can only imagine the pain they’re feeling to see loved ones killed whilst celebrating this ancient holiday. It’s the responsibility of all Australians to wrap their arms around our Jewish community.”
Prime Minister Albanese echoed these sentiments in his public address. He pledged that the nation would eradicate such hate and violence. “Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity,” Albanese asserted.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 14, 2025
Final Remarks
The Bondi Beach shooting represents a significant security incident and terrorist attack on Australian soil. The incident targeted a peaceful religious gathering and resulted in significant casualties. Authorities continue investigations whilst the nation mourns the victims and supports affected communities.
