On 14 December 2025, one of the deadliest mass shootings in modern Australian history occurred at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Amidst a Hanukkah celebration near its iconic shoreline, two gunmen opened fire, killing 15 and injuring many more festival attendees – leading authorities to identify both shooters as father and son duos, leading to national grief as well as demands for stricter gun laws from politicians across Australia.
The Irish Times provided this account.
According to police statements, the suspected attackers were identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and 24-year-old Naveed Akram; Sajid was shot and killed at the scene while his son Naveed was critically wounded and taken into custody under heavy police guard. Both individuals opened fire from a pedestrian bridge adjacent to Archer Park overlooking Hanukkah event causing confusion and panic before law enforcement was able to stop them. (Source: Irish Times).
Sydney Jewish community members had gathered to mark Hanukkah on its first evening. At least 40 were injured; several are in critical condition. As shots rang out shortly before 7 p.m. local time on Sunday evening, approximately 1000 people fled in terror as shots rang out – according to The Irish Times.
Investigators have classified this incident as a terrorist attack, citing evidence that violence was targeted at a Jewish festival. Authorities also recovered explosive devices in suspect vehicles – though these failed to detonate and were safely neutralized by bomb squads.
The tragedy has generated numerous national and international reactions, beginning in Canberra where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned it as an act of pure evil and reiterated his commitment to fighting antisemitism and extremism. Albanese further announced that Australia must strengthen its firearm regulations in order to help prevent similar attacks in future.
Australia’s firearm laws are among the strictest in the world, having been significantly tightened following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Yet this latest attack – carried out with legally owned weapons including ones licensed to his father — has exposed potential loopholes in gun licensing and monitoring procedures. Officials have indicated plans to review firearm licensing procedures, tighten ownership limits, and increase information sharing between security agencies.
Political leaders continue their advocacy, while community members mourn those lost in the Bondi Beach shooting. Vigils and memorials have taken place with flowers, candles and messages of condolence left along the beachfront and neighboring neighborhoods. Jewish community leaders have called on all Australians – regardless of race or creed – to stand together against violence and bigotry.
The Irish Times
Australia’s worst mass shooting since nearly 30 years – the Bondi Beach massacre – has reignited national discussion about gun control, public safety and extremist violence. While investigations continue and lawmakers discuss possible reforms to address extremism violence. Tragic loss of life stands as a reminder of Australia’s challenges ahead.