Australia entered a period of extreme distress and national mourning following a deadly shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah gathering at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that left at least 15 people dead, marking the country’s worst incident of gun violence in nearly three decades. Authorities have classified the attack as a terrorist incident and assert that it targeted the Jewish community.
Police said the two alleged gunmen were a father and son from Sydney’s southwest. Police shot the father, 50, at the scene, leaving his 24-year-old son in critical condition under hospital guard. Investigators confirmed only two attackers were involved, ending earlier concerns that a third person may have taken part.
The shooting unfolded during a Hanukkah event known as “Chanukkah by the Sea,”, attended by around 10,000 people in a small park near the beach. Witnesses described roughly 10 minutes of gunfire as crowds fled across the sand and into nearby streets. Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87, and dozens more were injured, including two police officers who remain in serious but stable condition.
Police credited a bystander who intervened during the attack with preventing further casualties. The man, who had reportedly been shot twice before, underwent surgery and has since become the focus of a public fundraising effort that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars within a day.
Investigations are examining how the alleged gunmen obtained their weapons. Police confirmed the father held a firearms licence and legally owned multiple guns. Videos from the scene appear to show the use of a rifle and a shotgun, although authorities have not released technical details.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Bondi Beach to lay flowers and met with community leaders. He described the shooting as “an act of pure evil” and urged Australians to show solidarity with the Jewish community during Hanukkah. World leaders such as US President Donald Trump have condemned the attack as “purely anti-Semitic”. The Director of the FBI, Kash Patel, has also posted on X, stating that he had extended support to Australian organisations.
Josh Frydenburg addressed the recent attacks as well as the longstanding issue of antisemitism in the Herald Sun, writing, “Why didn’t our leaders listen, and why didn’t they act?” and demanded immediate action and accountability.
King Charles also offered his condolences, stating he was “appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack” and that his and Queen Camilla’s hearts went out to those affected.
Major cities overseas have also heightened security around Jewish events.
The attack has increased scrutiny of a recent rise in antisemitic incidents across Australia, including vandalism, arson attempts and threats. Security agencies said the national terrorism threat level would remain unchanged but confirmed further patrols and intelligence operations were underway.
Bondi Beach remains an active crime scene as forensic teams continue their work. Memorials have formed along the promenade, reflecting a subdued atmosphere in one of Sydney’s busiest public spaces.
