Sydney: Australian authorities are continuing what police have described as a “massive” and highly complex investigation into the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach that has stunned the nation and drawn international condemnation. The shooting, which targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, has now claimed 16 lives, including one of the attackers, with dozens more wounded.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strongly denounced the violence, calling it an “act of evil antisemitism” that struck at the very heart of Australia. Speaking as details of the tragedy continued to emerge, Albanese said the scale of hatred and brutality unleashed at Bondi Beach was beyond comprehension and had left families and communities grappling with unimaginable grief.
“At this dark moment for our nation, our police and security agencies are working tirelessly to identify and pursue anyone connected to this outrage,” the Prime Minister said. “The trauma and loss being endured by families tonight is beyond anyone’s worst nightmare.”
The attack occurred at approximately 6.45 p.m. during the “Chanukah by the Sea” event, held near a children’s playground in the Bondi Park area. According to investigators, two gunmen opened fire from a bridge overlooking the crowd, targeting Jewish attendees who had gathered to mark the eight-day Festival of Lights.
New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park confirmed that the death toll rose overnight from 12 to 16, including a child. He said 38 people were injured in the attack, among them another child and two police officers who remain in serious condition after undergoing emergency surgery.
“We had four children transferred to Sydney Children’s Hospital,” Park said. “Around 38 people were injured, and approximately 100 ambulance personnel, including specialist units and general-duty paramedics, were involved in the response last night.”
Among the victims was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a respected community leader who had served as head of the Chabad mission in Bondi for the past 18 years. His death has sent shockwaves through Australia’s Jewish community, where he was widely known for his pastoral work and outreach.
Police confirmed that one of the two gunmen was killed at the scene. The second suspect is currently in police custody in critical condition. Authorities are also investigating whether a third individual may have played a role in the attack. One of the alleged shooters has been identified as Naveed Akram, a resident of Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s south-west.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon formally declared the incident a terrorist attack, citing the religious nature of the event, the weapons used, and items recovered at the scene. The declaration triggered heightened security measures and expanded counterterrorism operations across the state.
NSW Premier Chris Minns described the shooting as a horrifying act that shattered what should have been an evening of peace and celebration. “What was meant to be a joyful night for families and supporters has been torn apart by an appalling act of evil,” Minns said.
Expressing solidarity with the Jewish community, the Premier said Australia’s heart was with those mourning loved ones killed while celebrating one of the oldest religious traditions. He urged Australians to stand together and support Jewish families during what he described as an extraordinarily painful period.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain focused on establishing the full circumstances of the attack, identifying any additional suspects, and ensuring the safety of the wider community. The tragedy has reignited urgent national conversations about extremism, antisemitism, and the protection of religious gatherings across Australia.