A father-and-son terrorist attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach killed 15 people and injured dozens during a Hanukkah celebration on Dec. 14, 2025, triggering nationwide mourning and an escalating backlash over how police responded during the 20-minute shooting. Authorities have identified the attackers as Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, and confirmed the assault was a targeted antisemitic act.
The gunmen opened fire from an elevated pedestrian bridge overlooking the "Chanukah by the Sea" event, where Jewish families had gathered near Archer Park. Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87, according to police, with most drawn from Sydney's local Jewish community. Officials later confirmed that the attackers were using legally obtained firearms and that improvised explosive devices were recovered from one suspect's vehicle.
Eyewitness accounts have intensified criticism of law enforcement, with several survivors saying officers at the scene failed to engage the shooters for an extended period. Shmulik Scuri, who was attending the event with his family, said he saw police hesitate as the gunmen continued firing. "For 20 minutes. They shoot, shoot. Change magazines. And just shoot," Scuri said in video footage circulating online.
Scuri said he observed multiple officers without seeing any return fire. "Twenty minutes, there were four policemen there. Nobody give fire back. Nothing. Like they froze," he said. "I don't understand why." He added that the attackers showed no selectivity in their targets, saying, "Everyone. Jews. Men, old, kids, everyone! It doesn't matter."
Images and videos shared on social media appeared to show officers retreating or taking cover during the attack, fueling public anger. The gunfire ended only after a bystander intervened. Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old Muslim fruit seller, tackled one of the gunmen and wrestled the weapon away, according to officials. Police then returned fire, killing one suspect at the scene and taking the other into custody in critical condition.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns condemned the assault in strong terms, calling it an act of terrorism aimed at spreading fear. "This cowardly act of terrified violence is shocking and painful to see and represents some of our worst fears about terrorism in Sydney," Minns said. "What should've been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack."
Public reaction has been swift and unforgiving. Online commentary has accused police of failing to protect civilians, with users describing the response as "disgusting" and "shameful." One widely shared comment read: "So one unarmed man running a fruit stand was more courageous than three armed women." Others questioned how many lives might have been saved with a faster response.
The Bondi Beach massacre is Australia's deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur attack, a comparison that has revived debate over counterterrorism readiness and police training despite the country's strict gun laws.
