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Bondi Beach terror attack leaves at least 16 dead during Hanukkah celebration in Sydney.
Australian authorities are urgently investigating the gunmen responsible for the mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, which has been declared a terrorist attack targeting Australia’s Jewish community.
As of Sunday morning, New South Wales Police have confirmed that at least 16 people were killed and 40 others injured, including two police officers, when gunfire erupted during a Hanukkah by the Sea celebration attended by more than 1,000 people.
The attack is the deadliest mass shooting in Australia in nearly 30 years and has prompted heightened security measures nationwide.
The Daily Mail reported late Sunday that one of the alleged gunmen has been identified as Naveed Akram, 24, from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s southwest.
According to the publication, video and photographs taken by its photographer show a gunman opening fire from an elevated bridge overlooking Bondi Beach. The Daily Mail said the suspect was shot, arrested, and remains in custody, where he is receiving medical treatment.
NSW Police have not yet formally confirmed the identity of the suspect in an official public statement, and have previously urged caution around unverified information circulating online.
The Daily Mail also reported that police were conducting a search at a property in Bonnyrigg linked to the suspect and that suspicious items, including what was described as an improvised explosive device, were found near the bridge. Police have confirmed that suspicious items were located at the scene but have not provided further details.
NSW Police said on Sunday that two men were involved in the shooting, which began shortly after 6.45pm local time near Archer Park on Campbell Parade, adjacent to Bondi Beach.
One alleged gunman was shot dead at the scene, while the second suspect was taken into police custody and remains in critical condition in hospital. Authorities have not yet released the identities, ages, or nationalities of either suspect.
Police have also confirmed they are actively investigating whether a third offender may have been involved, although no additional suspects have been identified at this stage.
While NSW Police have not yet publicly detailed the exact firearms used, investigators confirmed that the attackers were armed with long-gun style weapons.
Images and video footage from the scene showed what appeared to be a pump-action shotgun lying near a tree close to the beach. Several eyewitnesses also reported seeing rifle-style firearms, though police have cautioned that formal identification of the weapons is ongoing.
Specialist counter-terrorism officers continue to examine suspicious items recovered from the surrounding area, and an exclusion zone remains in place.
At 9.36pm on Sunday, the NSW Police Commissioner formally declared the shooting a terrorist incident, citing evidence that the attack was deliberately designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community.
The gunfire erupted during a “Hanukkah by the Sea” gathering marking the first day of the Jewish festival of lights — an event attended by families, children, and community leaders.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the shooting was “an act of evil, antisemitism and terrorism”, calling it a direct attack on Jewish Australians and on the nation’s values.
Police and Australia’s counter-terrorism command are continuing to examine the suspects’ backgrounds and any potential ideological motivations.
As of Sunday afternoon, authorities have not confirmed whether the gunmen were known to security agencies prior to the attack, nor whether they had any formal links to extremist organisations.
Investigators are also assessing whether the attackers acted alone or received assistance, direction, or encouragement from others.
NSW Police have urged the public not to speculate as inquiries continue.
Verified video footage from the scene shows a member of the public tackling and disarming one of the attackers during the shooting.
The bystander wrestled the weapon away and forced the gunman to retreat, an intervention police believe prevented further loss of life.
Prime Minister Albanese praised the individual as a “genuine hero”, saying his actions saved “countless lives” amid the chaos.
This man is a legend.
Instead of running for safety, he disarmed the active shooter at Bondi Beach in Sydney.
Give him an award—he’s a true hero.
— Zach “🅂🄲🄷🅄🅉” Schumaker (@ZachSchumaker) December 14, 2025
The shooting has sent shockwaves across Australia and the international community, not only because of the high death toll, but because it occurred at one of the country’s most iconic public locations during a religious celebration.
Bondi Beach is typically crowded with locals and tourists, particularly on warm summer evenings. Authorities say the attack has triggered heightened security around Jewish community events nationwide as Australia confronts the growing threat of extremist violence.
As of the latest official briefings on Sunday, authorities have not yet confirmed:
The names or ages of the alleged gunmen
Whether the suspects were Australian citizens
Whether the attackers had prior criminal or terror-related histories
Whether anyone else assisted or encouraged the attack
Police say further information will be released as soon as it is operationally safe and families have been notified.
NSW Police have maintained a heavy presence around Bondi Beach as forensic teams continue their work. Authorities have asked for calm and warned against retaliatory actions while investigations continue.
Security has been increased around Jewish schools, synagogues, and Hanukkah events across Australia.
“This is a time for unity, not fear,” police said, adding that there is no current threat to the wider public.
Who were the Bondi Beach shooters?
Police have not yet released the identities of the alleged gunmen. One suspect is deceased and the second remains in critical condition in hospital.
Was the Bondi Beach shooting a terrorist attack?
Yes. NSW Police formally declared the incident a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community.
How many people were killed at Bondi Beach?
At least 16 people have been confirmed dead, with 40 others injured, including two police officers.
Is there still a threat to the public?
Police say there is no ongoing threat, but investigations continue, including inquiries into a possible third offender.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
