Bondi Beach Shooting Kills 16 During Hanukkah Event

Sydney — Sixteen people were killed and at least 43 others injured in a mass shooting near Bondi Beach in Sydney on the evening of December 14, 2025, during a Hanukkah celebration attended by hundreds of people, Australian authorities said. Police have classified the incident as a terrorist attack motivated by antisemitic extremism.

The shooting occurred at Archer Park, near the Bondi Pavilion, where a Chabad-organized public Hanukkah event known as “Chanukah by the Sea” was underway. Approximately 1,000 people were in attendance, according to organizers.

Incident Details

New South Wales Police said emergency calls reporting gunfire were received at approximately 6:47 p.m. local time. Investigators said two male attackers, later identified as a father and son, opened fire from an elevated footbridge overlooking the park. Authorities estimate that approximately 50 rounds were discharged.

Police said the attackers used legally owned firearms, including bolt-action rifles. One of the gunmen, a 50-year-old man, was shot and killed by responding officers at the scene. The second attacker, his 24-year-old son, was critically injured and taken into custody. He remains under police guard in hospital.

Bomb squad officers later searched a vehicle linked to the suspects and recovered homemade explosive devices and flags associated with the Islamic State group, police said.

Victims

Authorities confirmed that 16 people were killed, including a child. The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87. Among the dead were two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and several attendees of the Hanukkah celebration. Police said one victim was an Israeli national and another was a French citizen.

At least 43 people were injured, including two police officers. Five victims remained in critical condition as of December 15, according to hospital officials.

Investigation and Motive

Australian authorities said the attack was inspired by Islamic State ideology and targeted a Jewish religious gathering. The suspects were known to national security agencies prior to the attack, officials said, though no immediate threat assessment had been issued.

Police conducted raids at multiple properties in Sydney suburbs connected to the suspects. The investigation is being led by New South Wales Police in coordination with federal counterterrorism agencies.

Public Response and Security Measures

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack was an act of terrorism and condemned what he described as targeted violence against the Jewish community. He announced that the National Cabinet would meet to review firearm regulations, including a national firearms register and potential limits on gun ownership.

King Charles III, U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other international leaders issued statements condemning the attack and expressing condolences.

Security was increased at Jewish schools, synagogues, and community centers across Australia. Vigils were held in Sydney and other cities to commemorate the victims.

Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public, but investigations remain active.

Bystander Intervention

Police confirmed that a bystander, Ahmed Al-Ahmedi, a 43-year-old Syrian-born Australian Muslim, intervened during the attack and disarmed one of the gunmen before police arrived.

Authorities said Al-Ahmedi was near the event when the shooting began. While taking cover behind a parked vehicle, he approached one of the attackers, tackled him, and seized the firearm. Police said the intervention disrupted the attack and prevented the assailant from continuing to fire into the crowd.

During the encounter, Al-Ahmedi was shot twice, sustaining gunshot wounds to his shoulder and hand. He was transported to St George Hospital, where he underwent surgery. Hospital officials said he was in stable condition as of December 15.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb acknowledged the bystander’s actions, stating that the intervention “played a significant role in limiting further harm.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other officials also referenced the incident in public remarks.

Investigators noted that Al-Ahmedi had no connection to the suspects and emphasized that the circumstances of the intervention remain under review. Police reiterated that members of the public should prioritize personal safety and follow law enforcement instructions during active threat situations.