Bondi Beach terror attack kills 15 including child in antisemitic shooting
A terror attack at Bondi Beach resulted in 15 fatalities and about 40 injuries. Fourteen people died at the scene, while two others, including a 10-year-old child, died later in hospital. The incident was carried out by two alleged gunmen, Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene, and Naveed Akram was critically injured and hospitalised.
Authorities stated the attack deliberately targeted the Jewish community and took place on the first day of Hanukkah. Police declared the event a terrorist incident, confirming there was no third shooter being sought. Investigations found two basic explosive devices initially, with a third discovered the following Monday, along with a sixth firearm.
The weapons used were licensed firearms. Sajid Akram held a category A/B licence and was a member of a gun club. These licences were issued approximately 10 years ago.
Following the attack, Bondi Beach and nearby roads were closed. Approximately 328 police officers were deployed under Operation Shelter in areas with significant Jewish populations for increased security.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans to introduce tougher national gun laws during a national cabinet meeting. Proposed measures include limiting the number of firearms per person and auditing licences with the goal of achieving greater cross-state uniformity. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the state would change gun laws and suggested a possible recall of parliament to pass new measures.
This incident is described as Australia's worst mass shooting since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, which had led to sweeping gun control reforms and the national firearms agreement.
