Australian authorities have described the deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach as an act of antisemitic terrorism after a father and son opened fire on crowds gathered for a Jewish festival celebration. The attack, which happened on Sunday evening during the start of Hanukkah, claimed the lives of 15 people, including a 10-year-old child, and left dozens injured.
According to officials, the attackers fired into the crowd at the popular tourist beach, triggering panic as families and festival-goers fled for safety. At least 42 people were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds and other injuries, making the incident one of Australia’s deadliest mass shootings in nearly three decades.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strongly condemned the attack, calling it “an act of pure evil” and terrorism aimed at spreading fear among Australia’s Jewish community. He laid flowers at the Bondi Pavilion on Monday, as the nation mourned the victims and flags were lowered to half-mast.
Police said the gunmen targeted an annual celebration that had drawn more than 1,000 people to the beach. Firing from a raised boardwalk overlooking the crowded shoreline, they shot for several minutes before officers intervened. The 50-year-old father was shot dead by police, while his 24-year-old son was arrested and remains under guard in hospital with serious injuries.
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack, though they believe it was deliberately designed to terrorise Jewish communities. Hours later, police discovered a homemade explosive device in a nearby parked car, which they believe was planted by the attackers.
Amid the chaos, acts of bravery emerged. Bystanders, off-duty lifeguards and festival attendees rushed toward danger to help children and the wounded. Some victims were carried to safety using surfboards as makeshift stretchers, while others sheltered in nearby shops for hours.
The attack has drawn widespread international condemnation, with world leaders expressing shock and outrage. It has also reignited debates in Australia over gun laws, despite the country’s strict firearm regulations introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
As investigations continue, authorities have vowed to uncover the full circumstances behind the attack, while communities across Australia grapple with grief, fear and calls for unity in the face of hatred.
