Australia is grappling with grief after the nation’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades, an attack that unfolded during a Jewish celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach. As the country mourns, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to push for even stricter gun laws, saying firearm licences should not last forever.
The attack, which occurred on a crowded weekend evening, left 16 people dead. Police confirmed that a 50 year old man was killed at the scene, while his 24 year old son, believed to be the second attacker, remains in critical condition in hospital. Around 40 people were injured and taken to hospital, including two police officers who are in serious but stable condition. Victims ranged in age from just 10 to 87.
Authorities said the father had legally held a firearms licence since 2015 and owned six registered weapons. While he was known to authorities, officials said he had not previously been assessed as an immediate threat. The identities of the attackers were not formally released by police, though local media reported their names as Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the father arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa, while his son was born in Australia and is an Australian citizen. Police have not disclosed specific details about the weapons used, but footage from the scene appeared to show a bolt action rifle and a shotgun.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said investigators were still piecing together the background of both men. Reports from national broadcaster ABC News also stated that two Islamic State flags were found inside the attackers’ vehicle, though no official confirmation has been provided.
The tragedy has reignited national debate about whether Australia’s gun laws, already considered among the toughest globally, need further strengthening. Prime Minister Albanese said his cabinet would examine limits on how many firearms a licence holder can own and how long licences should remain valid.
“People’s circumstances can change,” Albanese said. “People can be radicalised over time. Licences should not be in perpetuity.”
A hero in the chaos
Witnesses described scenes of panic as around 1,000 people fled the beach and surrounding streets during the roughly 10 minute attack. Amid the chaos, one bystander tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen, an act credited with saving lives.
Australian broadcaster 7News identified the man as Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43 year old fruit shop owner. He was shot twice and later underwent surgery. A fundraising campaign set up in his name raised more than 550,000 Australian dollars within a day, reflecting a nationwide outpouring of gratitude and support.
Bondi resident Morgan Gabriel said she initially thought the gunfire was fireworks before realising something was terribly wrong. She sheltered several people in her home as they tried to escape the violence.
“It’s usually so busy here, people swimming and running,” she said the next morning. “Today it’s very quiet. There’s a solemn feeling everywhere.”
A makeshift memorial soon formed at the Bondi Pavilion, with flowers, candles, and Australian and Israeli flags. Police and private security were visible as mourners gathered to pay their respects.
Leaders condemn the attack
Authorities confirmed they were confident only two attackers were involved, following earlier uncertainty about a possible third suspect. Heavy police presence surrounded the suspects’ home in Bonnyrigg, in Sydney’s west.
Prime Minister Albanese visited Bondi Beach to lay flowers and address the nation, calling the attack “an act of pure evil, antisemitism, and terrorism” at one of Australia’s most recognisable locations.
“The Jewish community is hurting today,” he said. “All Australians stand with you. We will do whatever is necessary to stamp out antisemitism.”
World leaders, including United States President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, contacted Albanese to offer condolences and support.
The shooting comes amid a rise in antisemitic incidents across Australia since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. While mass shootings remain rare in Australia, this was the worst since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which led to sweeping gun law reforms.
Rabbi Mendel Kastel, whose brother in law was killed in the attack, urged unity over anger. “This is about community,” he said. “We need to be there for each other, and we will get through this together.”
A nation pauses, reflects, and grieves
Beyond the statistics and political debate lies a community in shock. Parents ran toward danger to find their children. Strangers opened their doors to protect one another. Ordinary people became heroes in unimaginable circumstances.
Bondi Beach, usually alive with laughter, waves, and sunshine, fell silent as Australia stopped to mourn. In moments like these, the nation is reminded that safety is fragile, hate leaves deep scars, and unity matters more than ever. As flowers pile up along the shoreline, Australians are left asking hard questions, while holding on to one another in grief, solidarity, and hope.
