In a horrific act of terrorism, two gunmen opened fire on a Jewish festival at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach, killing 15 people and injuring 42 others. The attack, which targeted a Hanukkah celebration, has sent shockwaves through Australia and the international community.
Timeline of a Tragedy
The violence erupted at approximately 6:40pm local time on Sunday in the Archer Park area adjacent to the famous beach. More than 1,000 people were gathered for the first night of Hanukkah when the attackers, armed with "long guns", began shooting. Panic ensued as attendees fled for their lives.
Emergency services and local residents rushed to aid the wounded amidst the chaos. During an exchange of fire with the assailants, two New South Wales police officers—a constable and a probationary constable—were shot. Both remain in serious but stable condition.
Police identified the attackers as Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram. Sajid was shot dead at the scene by responding officers. Naveed was taken to hospital with critical injuries and is expected to survive, likely facing criminal charges.
Victims and Heroes
The victims, whose ages ranged from 10 to 87, included a British-born rabbi and a young girl. Fourteen people died at the scene, with a 10-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man succumbing to their injuries later in hospital.
The first victim named was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. A father of five originally from Temple Fortune in north London, he had recently celebrated the birth of his youngest son. His family described him as a "joyful rabbi".
The youngest victim was a 10-year-old girl named Matilda. Other victims identified include French national Dan Elkayam and former police officer Peter Meagher.
Amidst the horror, a hero emerged. Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old father of two from Sydney, tackled one of the gunmen, wrestling his weapon away. He sustained bullet wounds to his arm and hand but was reported to be in "good spirits". Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with him, calling him an "Australian hero". A public fundraising campaign for Mr Ahmed has raised over 1.1 million Australian dollars.
Investigation and Response
Police have declared the incident a terrorist attack, with early indications pointing to the attackers being "inspired by" the so-called Islamic State (IS). Officers seized three firearms at the scene, with three more found later, alongside two "active" explosive devices, a third device found on Monday, and two homemade IS flags.
Authorities revealed Sajid Akram held a licence for six guns, issued in 2023, and was part of a gun club. They are investigating a trip both men took to the Philippines last month. While Naveed Akram was investigated six years ago by intelligence agency ASIO over links to an IS cell, he was not deemed an ongoing threat.
The UK responded with condemnation. King Charles III said he was "appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack". Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the news "sickening". Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis is travelling to Sydney to support the community, while UK police forces have promised increased patrols in Jewish areas.
The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team has launched a major investigation, with Strike Force Belen examining the circumstances of police involvement in the incident.
