Sydney: Australia is grappling with shock and grief after a deadly terror attack at a Hanukkah gathering near Bondi Beach left 15 people dead and dozens injured, prompting the federal and New South Wales governments to signal urgent reforms to gun control laws.
Police have confirmed that the attackers were a father and son duo — 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed. The elder Akram was shot dead by police at the scene late Sunday night, while his son remains in critical condition in hospital. Investigators have classified the incident as a terrorist act, saying the attackers had expressed allegiance to the Islamic State group.
The shooting unfolded during a public event marking the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, turning a coastal celebration into a scene of chaos and horror. Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 and included a young child, a Holocaust survivor, a retired police officer and a British-born rabbi. At least 40 others were injured, several with gunshot wounds.
Authorities revealed that the older attacker legally possessed firearms under a recreational hunting licence and was also a member of a gun club, raising serious questions about existing licensing frameworks. Two improvised explosive devices were also recovered and safely disarmed near the site, adding to concerns over the scale of the planned violence.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack exposed gaps in firearm regulations and vowed to push for stricter national laws. “This level of violence has no place in Australia,” Albanese said, adding that community safety must override lax interpretations of gun ownership.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns echoed those sentiments, indicating that changes to state firearms legislation were imminent. While stopping short of detailing specific measures, Minns said the current system was “clearly not fit for purpose” and confirmed that reforms would focus on tightening access to high-powered weapons. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon clarified that the older gunman technically met existing eligibility criteria, highlighting systemic shortcomings rather than procedural failures.
Amid the tragedy, acts of extraordinary bravery emerged. A bystander, identified as 43-year-old fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, was captured on video charging at one of the armed attackers and forcing him to drop his weapon. Ahmed sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the shoulder but is expected to recover. Minns described him as a “genuine hero,” saying his intervention likely saved many lives.
In the aftermath, the Bondi Beach community has rallied in solidarity. Blood donation centres across New South Wales reported record turnout, while vigils and prayer gatherings were held near the attack site. Jewish community leaders expressed grief and anger, calling for stronger protection against hate-driven violence.
Investigations are ongoing to determine whether additional accomplices were involved in the attack.
