Bondi Beach shooting leaves 15 people, gunman dead at Hanukkah party
By: Kim Hjelmgaard, Kathryn Palmer and James Powel (USA TODAY)
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Bondi Beach shooting leaves 15 people, gunman dead at Hanukkah party
Australia has seen a string of antisemitic attacks on synagogues and other sites since the war in Gaza began. The country has some of the world's strictest gun control measures.
Police and local media reports said the shooting began while some people were attending a Hanukkah party on the beach. At least 40 people were hospitalized.
At least 16 people died and dozens more were wounded in a shooting at Sydney's popular Bondi Beach on Dec. 14 that targeted Australia's Jewish community, police and officials said.
In a news conference, New South Wales police said two suspects had been taken into custody, a father and son duo, one of whom later died. At least 42 people, including a child, were hospitalized.
The attack, which occurred on the first day of Hanukkah, was declared a terrorist incident.
Authorities and local media reports citing eyewitnesses said the shooting began while about 1,000 people were attending a Hanukkah-related party on the beach. Australia has experienced a string of antisemitic attacks on synagogues and sites since the war in Gaza began in 2023.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the incident "shocking and distressing" and described the attack as an "evil act of antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation." Chris Minns, the premier of New South Wales, said the attack was "designed to target Sydney's Jewish community."
Death toll rises to 16, including suspected gunman
New South Wales Police confirmed that the death toll from the Bondi Beach shooting has risen 16, including one of the gunmen.
Fourteen people died on the scene and two people, a 10-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man, died at the hospital, according to police. Those who died are yet to be formally identified, but police believe their ages range between 10 and 87.
NSW Police said that at least 42 people remain in the hospital following the shooting, including two police officers who suffered gunshot wounds and are in critical but stable condition.
Out of the 42 wounded, police said five people remain in critical condition while others are in serious and stable conditions.
Australian state leader 'looking' into gun law reform
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said that he is "looking at law reform" around guns following the shooting.
"There's a massive role for the government, New South Wales police, and regular citizens to play here, to ensure that we keep our community safe, and I won't hesitate to move legislation if it's required," Minns said at the news conference.
He called the shooting "an intolerable situation" and "an attempt to break apart our social life, to divide Australian against Australian."
Investigation into motive continues; police sent to houses of worship
The investigation into possible motives behind the attack is ongoing, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said at the news conference.
"Our investigation will be thorough," he said.
Lanyon added that there will be increased police presence at Jewish houses of worship and areas frequented by members of the Jewish community, with 328 officers on the ground under "Operation Shelter."
"I want to make it very clear the New South Wales police will not tolerate the types of violence or the types of antisemitic behaviour we have seen," he said.
Bondi Beach shooting suspects: What we know
Officials confirmed that a father and son are the suspects in the shooting that left a total of 16 people, including one of the gunmen, dead.
The father, 50, a licensed firearm holder under Australian law for 10 years, was shot by police and died on the scene, according to officials. The son, 24, suffered "critical injuries" and was taken to the hospital under police guard.
Lanyon added that the father was licensed for six firearms. He said that officials are investigating whether they're connected to the shooting.
Two improvised explosive devices were found at the scene, which Lanyon said were "found to be active" before they were seized and deactivated by authorities.
Officials from the Palestinian Authority, Qatar, Lebanon and Iran condemn shooting
Representatives from Middle Eastern countries, as well as the Palestinian Authority, denounced the shooting.
Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said that the country condemned the attack "as a matter of principle" in a post on X.
"Terror violence and mass killing shall be condemned, wherever they're committed, as unlawful and criminal," Baqaei wrote.
In August, Australia expelled Iranian diplomats and withdrew their representatives from Iran after alleging the country directed antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne, according to the BBC.
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun wrote that "Just as we condemn and reject attacks on any innocent civilian in Gaza, southern Lebanon, or any other region of the world, we condemn, by the same principle and obligation, what happened in Sydney," in a statement published by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its stance "against violence, terrorism, and criminal acts, regardless of motive or reason," in a statement posted to X.
The Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote in a statement: "The Ministry affirms the full solidarity of the State of Palestine and its standing alongside friendly Australia … renewing its categorical rejection of all forms of violence, terrorism, and extremism, which contradict human values and ethical principles."
NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani calls attack 'vile'
Zohran Mamdani, the incoming mayor to New York City, which is home to the country's largest Jewish population, condemned the attack as a "a vile act of antisemitic terror" in a Dec. 14 statement. He also called it the latest instance of a "growing pattern of violence" targeting Jewish people.
"I mourn those who were murdered and will be keeping their families, the Jewish community, and the Chabad movement in my prayers," Mamdani said in the statement. "May the memories of all those killed be a blessing."
Mamdani said one of the confirmed victims, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, held deep ties to the Brooklyn neighborhood of Crown Heights. The mayor-elect said he will work "every day" to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe once he takes office on Jan. 1, 2025.
Trump pays respects to attack victims, applauds 'brave' bystander
At a Christmas reception at the White House, President Donald Trump acknowledged the attack in Australia, as well as the shooting at Brown University in the U.S. a day prior.
"That was antisemitic attack, obviously, and I just want to pay my respects to everybody," Trump said.
The president also mentioned reports of a bystander who attempted to stop one of the shooters. In footage circulating widely online, a man is seen wrestling one of the attackers and taking a gun from him. Trump appeared to refer to the man in the video, and said he is wounded and in the hospital. Australian authorities have also confirmed a bystander intervened during the attack, but have not released any other details.
"A very very brave person actually, who went and attacked frontally one of the shooters and saved a lot of lives," he said in his remarks.
Rabbi confirmed to be one of the victims
Rabbi Eli Schlanger was one of the victims of the shooting, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the BBC confirmed.
Schlanger was 41 years old, British born, and a father of five with a son born in October, according to the BBC. The ABC notes that he was the head of the Chabad mission in Bondi.
Rabbi Zalman Lewis, his first cousin, told the British broadcaster that Schlanger was "full of life" and that people should do acts of charity if they wish to honor him.
"Every human being on earth has a positive way to contribute to making the world a better place, and we just have to keep spreading light. The world is a positive place and we need to show that and I know Eli would be saying that," Lewis said.
Brown University vigil to be held at what would have been menorah lighting
On the other side of the world, Providence, Rhode Island is set to hold vigil for the victims of the Brown University mass shooting at what would have been a menorah lighting ceremony on Dec. 14.
Mayor Brett Smiley made the announcement at a Sunday morning news conference and added that the community is still "in shock and mourning."
"For those who know at least a little bit of The Hanukkah story, it is quite clear that if we can come together as a community and shine a little bit of light tonight, I think there's nothing better that we could be doing as a community," Smiley said.
At least two students were killed and nine others were injured in the shooting that took place at the Ivy League university on the afternoon of Dec. 13. Officials confirmed at the news conference that a person of interest is in custody.
Security increased ahead of other Hanukkah events
Several large cities in Europe and the U.S. are stepping up security measures for planned Hanukkah events following the deadly attack in Bondi Beach.
In Germany, Berlin police said they were ramping up measures for a large menorah lighting event near the Brandenburg Gate. In the U.K., London's Metropolitan Police said they are upping their security presence around synagogues and at Hanukkah events.
In the U.S., New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the New York Police Department is deploying additional resources to Hanukkah events and synagogues. The city is slated to host some of the nation's largest Hanukkah events beginning on Dec. 14, in both Brooklyn and Manhattan. The two menorah lighting events in the boroughs draw large crowds each year.
Attack shocks in nation with strict gun laws
Australia has some of the world's strictest gun control measures, and mass shootings are relatively rare.
The shooting nevertheless appears to be the worst one in Australian history since the Port Arthur attack in 1996, when a lone gunman killed 35 people at a historic site in Tasmania. That incident led the Australian government to impose an almost total ban on all automatic and semiautomatic weapons.
It's also the second incident of mass violence in the region in as many years. In April 2024, the nearby Bondi Junction neighborhood experienced a mass stabbing at a shopping center, which left six people dead.
Lawmakers around the world react
Reactions to the tragedy from lawmakers and other political figures have poured in from across the globe. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement that "antisemitism has no place in this world" and said the U.S. government strongly condemns the attack.
"Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia," Rubio posted on social media.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III also released statements condemning the violence, as did leaders of several other nations, including Sweden, Norway, Spain, Poland and New Zealand.
Where is Bondi Beach? Event held near kids' playground
Hanukkah begins Dec. 14 and is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays. And Bondi Beach is one of the world's most famous beaches. On weekend evenings, it is typically crowded with locals and tourists.
The beach and surrounding suburb of the same name are a few miles east of Sydney in New South Wales. The Hanukkah event, hosted by Chabad of Bondi and Waverley Council, was advertised as a free beachside event near the children's playground. It was to offer live entertainment and games as well as a menorah lighting.
Videos circulating on the social media platform X appeared to show people on the beach and nearby park scattering as multiple gunshots and police sirens could be heard. One video showed a man dressed in a black shirt firing a large weapon before being tackled by a man in a white T-shirt who wrestled his weapon off him.
A different man was seen firing a weapon from a pedestrian bridge.
Jewish leaders condemn the attack, antisemitism
Australia's Jewish community was estimated at nearly 117,000 people in 2021, during the nation's last census.
"If decisive action is not taken now to protect Jewish communities and confront antisemitism head-on, this will not be the last massacre. It will simply be another warning ignored," said Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, an Israeli lawyer and human rights activist, in emailed comments.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also addressed the attack, alleging that Australia's policies fuel antisemitism.
"A few months ago, I wrote a letter to the prime minister of Australia. I told him that their policies pour fuel on the antisemitic fire," Netanyahu said in a speech. "It encourages the Jew hatred now stalking your streets. Antisemitism is a cancer. It spreads when leaders stay silent, and you must replace weakness with action."
Contributing: Reuters
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The unarmed bystander who attempted to stop the shooter was not identified in the article above. I watched a video of his unbelievable courage, grabbing a gunman and taking his rifle from him, taking his own life in his hands. His name is Ahmed al Ahmed, the owner of a fruit store. It was, these days, a revelation to watch a Muslim take his own life in his hands to save Jews from being killed. He should be thanked and rewarded by the Australian Jewish Community and by the Australian government.
Arvo..As he has been and will be...
$285,000 has already been donated to Mr Ahmed for his bravery...
Many other people were also involved in saving and helping the wounded..
Hundreds have flooded the blood banks as a call went out for donations...
As you can imagine the country is devastated, shocked and rocked to it's core once again..
Been nearly 30 years since Port Arthur and once again our time has come...
You hope it never does but people and their twisted ideals and hate are unfortunately never far away...🥀🥀🥀
I'm really glad to see that, and I'm sure he'll be able to retire in a well-deserved comfort when the rest comes in. As well I hope he will be invited to any Jewish community events in order for thanks for his heroism to be given him on a personal level.
Doubt he will retire he is only 43 and strikes me as the type he will be back in his fruit shop once again..
A family man and wonderful person who showed humanity at its finest and did this country proud..
All the other citizens who are pitching in, giving blood and helping in other ways deserve to be thanked as well. It is a definite denial of the antisemitism that had reputedly been increasing.
That's why you never believe everything that is written..
The media are well known for the "media beat up and hype"..
Not quite sure why you seemed surprised at that..
Israel and the Jewish people have always been very well supported here by the majority of Australians..
All you see and hear about are the feral elements that are in every society..
The photo of queues of people patiently waiting to donate blood..the blood banks system crashed so many people wanting to know where to go..
So out of the darkness of evil, the light once again shines...
Evening Buzz..$745,000 now for Mr Ahmed..
🥀💔🇦🇺
He's going to get at least a million. Hope that all can see how good it can be to save the lives of Jews. LOL
Morning..
Up to 1.7 million for Mr Ahmed now and 12 people are still listed as critical..
Going to be a long road for some, including two coppers who were shot..one only been on the job for 3 months..
Fund raisers have been done for the other victims, hundreds of thousands coming in for them and their families..
A heavy cloud has descended on the country and it will take awhile to lift..
The Menorah on the Opera house last night...
Morning Buzz..a cheque for 2.5 million was just delivered to Mr Ahmed in hospital from donations around the country and world..
At the moment thousands of surfers and swimmers are out on Bondi beach forming a circle in the water...
We are reclaiming our beach back, the sea is a great healer for humanity...
He deserves every penny of it. What is the significance of forming a circle in the water?
Surfers do a "paddle out" in an honour of a deceased surfer...
But in this case in honour of the lost souls in the terror attack...
Very fitting and very moving and to reclaim the beach back from the horror...
Good move.
Reports coming through the 2nd gunman has died..I sincerely hope so..
With luck both these maggots will be dumped in unmarked graves as was the Lindt cafe murderer back in 2014...
Even their own religion wanted nothing to do with him and I hope it's the same for these two..
I don't understand. Are you saying that the Muslim community didn't want to have anything to do with the hero? ...that they would have preferred for the shooters to be able to kill more innocent Jews?
That is correct.. the Muslim who killed and held hostage people in the Lindt cafe in Sydney in 2014 the Muslims refused to have anything to do with Monis body..
That siege was 11 years ago today actually..Monis body was unclaimed, no religious service held, the Imran's refused all dealings with it and he was dumped in an unmarked grave..
Rather fitting I thought...
Oh, I got it. You meant the 2014 killer - I was confused, thinking you meant the hero. Anyway now yet another horrific thing happened. Actor-Director Rob Reiner and his wife were stabbed to death in their home in Malibu.
Unfortunately the 2nd gunman is still alive..
Can hear the solicitors/lawyers now..they will demand a mental health assessment, he has been radicalised, he is autistic, his father influenced him, his parents seperated blah blah...the usual excuses they trot out here...
His mother said he is a good boy..he is 24 years old!!.. doesn't smoke or drink..etc etc..
Pity we still don't have the death penalty..
I have always been opposed to the death penalty. People like Naveed Akram make it difficult for me to continue that. However, the real fault lies with Iran and its proxies, with Hamas leading the way with its SUCCESSFUL psychological war and its criminal war and defence methods.
Yes Iran certainly has its finger prints on anti-Semitism here..
Hence the Iranian ambassador and three other diplomats were kicked out of the country regarding the fire bombings of some synagogues a few months back...
First time we have removed an ambassador from Australia since WW2...might start a trend a few others should follow to in my opinion...
Naturally the Iranians denied it but they got booted out none the less with them protesting all the way...
Always good to get rid of bad rubbish...
Seems Mr Ahmed was not the first to have ago at these two maggot shooters..
They were spotted first of all getting out of the car with guns when a couple attacked them in the street realising what they were going to..
There was a fight but unfortunately these two brave people were shot dead and the two maggots moved on..
They also had an daesch flag on their windscreen so they obviously have links to those maggots as well..
I wonder why I didn't see anything about the two who were killed trying to stop them.
It has only just come to light now..others also had ago at the two maggots.. another guy hurled bricks at them so alot of people tried to stop them..
WOW!!! Well, they were exceptionally determined to kill Jews.
That's terrible. There is a video apparently showing the shooting of the couple. It's horrendous.
Yes I have seen it..
Boris and Sofia Gurman - husband and wife
Boris could have shot both of them, but obviously he didn't know about the other weapons. He did what any normal person would have done, just try to hold them off. So the total killed (other than the shooter) was 17, not 15, unless they were already counted as part of the 15.
They are part of the original 15...
Only now we have seen their heroic efforts to stop these maggots...
It doesn't matter how many Inquisitions, how many Holocausts, how many Oct7s, how many Bondi Beaches there have been, Jews are not safe in this world. Even Jesus would be crucified again, if the antisemites had their way.
They escaped the anti-Semitism of Russia only to be gunned down in their adopted homeland in the name of anti-Semitisam
I read that it has been suggested that Ahmed al Ahmed be named by Yad Vashem as "One of the Righteous Among the People" and be invited to plant a tree in the Avenue of the Righteous since he endangered his own life to save the life of many Jews. He would join persons like Oscar Schindler and Raul Wallenberg. I think he deserves it.
He will always be remembered with tremendous gratitude. 5,000 years from now Jews will still be celebrating the name Ahmed al Ahmed. I guarantee it.
Condolences to all and and hopefully the survivors, heroes and remaining shooter receive their appropriate rewards
Australian media identified the two suspected gunmen in the shooting as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24.
Draw your own conclusions about the poison Hamas has brought upon the world.
.
My conclusion is that Muslims do not assimilate very well into western nations and should not be allowed entry.
Sorry, but that's the way it is.
Although I would not be a supporter of Mamdani as mayor, he appears to be pretty civilized and assimilated to me. I don't feel the same way about Rashida Tlaib or Ilhan Omar.
I wouldn't say all of them, but there needs to be extra care given to background checks with these people, no matter what country, and see what type of life they lived in the country they are "repressed" in.
Neither would I but we simply can't risk it anymore.