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Updated 21:48 GMT, December 14, 2025
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 42 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.
NSW police commissioner Mal Lanyon has identified a father and son, aged 50 and 24, in connection with the terror attack that left a 10-year-old girl dead after she later died in hospital. Mal Lanyon said at a press conference on Monday: “As part of the investigation, we conducted two search warrants last night, one at Bonnyrigg and a second at Campsie. The 50-year-old male is a licensed firearms holder. He has six firearms licensed to him.”
One of the alleged shooters in the deadly attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney has been identified as Naveed Akram, 24, from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s southwest, according to a senior law enforcement official cited by ABC News.
According to The Daily Mail, video and photographs taken by its photographer appear to show a gunman opening fire from an elevated bridge overlooking Bondi Beach. The publication reported that the suspect was shot by police and taken to hospital, where he remains under police guard while receiving medical treatment.
NSW Police confirmed that officers searching a property in Bonnyrigg linked to the suspects located suspicious items near the bridge, including an improvised explosive device. The items were described as basic in structure and had been secured and remain under forensic examination.
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.
The head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Mike Burgess, said the agency was examining the identities of the attackers and assessing whether there was anyone else in the community “with similar intent”.
Asked whether any of the shooters were on ASIO watchlists, Mr Burgess said: “One of these individuals was known to us, but not in an immediate-threat perspective, so we need to look into what happened here.”
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.
NSW Police have confirmed that the Bondi Beach attack involved two men, aged 50 and 24, believed to be a father and son. One man was shot by police and died at the scene, while the second remains in hospital under police guard with critical injuries.
Who is Naveed Akram?
Naveed Akram, 24, from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s southwest, has been named in media reports in connection with the mass shooting, which left 16 people dead, including a 10-year-old girl who later died in hospital.
Police say the attack unfolded about 6.40pm on Sunday, 14 December 2025, when officers were called to Bondi Beach following reports of gunfire in a crowded public area. Responding officers located two men armed with long firearms who were allegedly firing into crowds.
Officers exchanged fire with the suspects. The older man, aged 50, was shot by police and died at the scene. The younger man, aged 24, was critically injured and taken to hospital under police guard.
Police later confirmed that 14 people died at the scene, while 42 others — including four children — were rushed to hospitals across Sydney. Authorities have since been notified that two additional victims, a 10-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man, later died in hospital, bringing the death toll to 16.
Victims have not yet been formally identified, though police believe their ages range from 10 to 87. Five people remain in critical condition. Two police officers who were shot — a constable and a probationary constable — are in serious but stable condition.
Bondi Beach and surrounding roads remain closed as a major crime scene. Detectives from the Joint Counter Terrorism Team are leading the investigation. Three firearms have been seized and will undergo forensic examination.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the suspects were Australian citizens, whether either had a prior criminal or terrorism-related history, or whether anyone else assisted or encouraged the attack. Police say further details will be released when it is operationally safe to do so and once families have been formally notified.
🕕 Time: About 6.40pm, Sunday 14 December 2025
📍 Location: Bondi Beach, Sydney’s east
🔫 Suspects: Two men, aged 50 and 24
⚰️ Fatalities: 16 people, including a 10-year-old girl
🏥 Injured: More than 40 people, including children
👮 Police injured: Two officers (serious but stable)
🚔 Status: One alleged shooter dead, one in hospital under guard
🧪 Evidence: Three firearms seized
🕵️ Investigation: Joint Counter Terrorism Team
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?
NSW Police have confirmed the attack involved two men, aged 50 and 24. One suspect was shot dead at the scene, while the second remains in critical condition in hospital under police guard.
ABC Australia reported late Sunday that the younger suspect is Naveed Akram, 24, from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s southwest.
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 42 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.
