To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
At least 15 innocent people have been killed after two gunmen opened fire on Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
Around 40 people were taken to hospital, including the surviving suspect, after two gunmen unleashed terror at a crowd celebrating Hanukkah near the famous beach yesterday.
Victims of the attack include British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a Holocaust survivour and a ten-year-old girl.
There are also children among the injured, with 27 people remaining in hospital as of Monday morning, including the hero fruit seller who put his life at risk to disarm one of the assailants.
How the massacre unfolded
Bondi Beach terrorist attack
People of all ages and vendors gather in Sydney’s Archer Park to celebrate Hanukkah by the sea just some yards north of Bondi Beach
Before 6pm local time – The suspects’ car is seen leaving a rented accommodation in Campsie and driving 40 minutes to Bondi Beach
6.47pm – First shots are fired into the crowd in Archer Park, with eyewitnesses describing hearing loud cracks
- In the minutes that follow, fruit seller Ahmed al Ahmed tackles and disarms one of the suspects and is injured
- Both attackers are shot. One of them dies at the scene while the other is apprehended injured but alive
6.57pm – People should avoid the area and take shelter if they are on Bondi Beach, New South Wales Police says on X
7.39pm – Police announce that two people are in custody
10pm – The incident is declared a terrorist attack on the city’s Jewish community. Detectives say a homemade explosive device was found in a car near the scene
6.15am local time – The death toll rises to 16, while 42 people remain in hospital. One of those who lost their lives is Matilda, 10.
7.30am – Police reveal the two gunmen are thought to be a father and son duo
Monday morning – Mourners gather to lay floral tributes to the Bondi Beach shooting victims
7.56pm – A senior official says two Islamic State flags were found in the gunmen’s car
5.36pm – The suspects are named as Naveed Akram, 24, and his dad, Sajid Akram, 50
6pm – A total of 27 people, including the surviving suspect, remain in hospital
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
One of Sydney’s best known coastal spots, Bondi Beach is popular with both expats and tourists.
The attack occurred just as a ‘Chanukah by the sea’ event got underway to mark the first night of the eight-day Jewish festival of light.
The family event, near a children’s playground, included games, activities and the traditional menorah lighting.
Clips emerged of crowds suddenly running off the beach as gunshots were heard.
Where is Bondi beach?
Bondi Beach is a crescent of sand that stretches about half a mile along Sydney’s east coast.
Bondi, pronounced ‘bon-dye’, was named after an Aboriginal word meaning ‘sound of the waves breaking on the beach’.
It’s long been one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations – 880,000 domestic visitors swung by every day in 2022.
Known for its blue waters, the beach is popular with surfers and home to one of the world’s oldest surf lifesaving clubs.
Bondi has been the setting of countless films, TV shows and music videos, including Modern Family and reality TV series Bondi Rescue following the lifeguards.
How many have been killed?
More than 1,000 people were reported to be on the beach at the time of the shooting.
A total of 16 people have been confirmed dead, including one of the gunmen.
Among them was British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was helping lead the Chanukah event.
So far, 40 people, including two police officers, have been taken to various local hospitals to be treated for injuries. The other attacker is currently in a critical condition, but he is expected to live.
What do we know about the suspected attackers?
The prime suspect of the massacre is Naveed Akram, 24, who remains in hospital. His dad, Sajid Akram, 50, is suspected of having carried out the attack with him.
Akram senior had a legal licence to own a weapon, and he was a member of a gun club.
Naveed Akram was born in Australia and hails from Bonnyrigg, southwest Sydney, where a property was searched following the attack.
Australian security officials investigated him for around six months in 2019, but concluded that he posed no threat.
Former classmates described the 24-year-old as ‘nice’ and quiet during their time in school.
What have police said?
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Mal Lanyon, the police commissioner for New South Wales, declared the attack a terrorist incident and authorised special powers for an investigation into a possible third offender.
Officials later confirmed that they were no longer looking for a third suspect.
What is the reaction from political and faith leaders?
Australian PM Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as a ‘an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism’.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
He said: ‘There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear, we will eradicate it.
‘Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity where Australians across the board will embrace their fellow Australians of Jewish faith at this dark moment for our nation.
‘Our police and security agencies are working to determine anyone associated with this outrage.’
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the scenes were ‘deeply shocking and distressing’ and urged Britons in Sydney to follow the advice of local authorities.
Chris Minns, the premier of New South Wales, said his heart ‘bleeds’ for Australia’s Jewish community.
‘I can only imagine the pain that they’re feeling right now to see their loved ones killed as they celebrate this ancient holiday’, he said.
‘It’s a responsibility of all Australians to wrap their arms around Australia’s Jewish community and help them get through this incredibly difficult period.’
The Board of Deputies of British Jews said it was ‘devastated’ by the attack.
It said in a statement: ‘While details emerge, we have been in touch with our Australian partners at the Executive Council of Australian Jewry to express our solidarity and offer our support.
‘We have also been in touch with the UK Government, who are monitoring the situation closely, to discuss the UK response.
‘The scourges of terrorism and antisemitism are shared, international challenges and need concerted and determined action to defeat them.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.