Bondi Beach Tragedy: Father and Son Behind Deadly Shooting at Jewish Celebration, Police Confirm

Australian authorities have confirmed that a father and son were responsible for a deadly shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach in Sydney, an incident that has left the nation in shock.

According to police, the attack claimed 15 lives initially, before the 50-year-old father was shot dead by officers at the scene, bringing the total death toll to 16. His 24-year-old son, who allegedly acted alongside him, is currently in critical condition in hospital.

Local media outlets, including ABC, identified the suspects as Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram. Australian officials have described the incident as a targeted antisemitic attack, carried out during a public religious event.

Dozens Injured, Including Police Officers

Authorities confirmed that about 40 people remain hospitalized, among them two police officers who are in serious but stable condition. The victims ranged in age from as young as 10 to as old as 87, highlighting the devastating impact on families and the wider community.

The shooting occurred during a Hanukkah gathering attended by roughly 1,000 people, held in a small park close to Bondi Beach. Witnesses said the attack lasted for approximately 10 minutes, triggering chaos as people fled across the beach and into nearby streets to escape the gunfire.

Bystander Praised as Hero

One bystander, Ahmed al Ahmed, 43, has been widely praised for his bravery after he tackled and disarmed one of the attackers. He was reportedly shot twice during the confrontation and later underwent surgery. A public fundraising campaign launched in his support has raised over A$350,000 (about US$233,000).

Questions Raised Over Firearms Access

Police revealed that the father had held a firearms license since 2015 and legally owned six guns. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the father arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa, while the son was born in Australia and holds citizenship.

Videos circulating from the scene suggest the attackers used a bolt-action rifle and a shotgun, though officials have not yet released full details about the weapons involved.

Ongoing Investigation

Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to understand how the attack was planned and whether there were warning signs prior to the incident. Security has since been tightened around religious and public gatherings across Australia.

This tragic event has renewed national conversations about extremism, public safety, and gun control, as the country mourns the victims of one of the deadliest attacks in recent years.