In a tragic Sunday afternoon, a gunman opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, killing 15 people and leaving 25 others wounded.
Incident Overview
The attack occurred during a public holiday gathering. Fifteen victims ranged in age from 10 to 87, and the gunshots were heard across the beach.
Suspect Details
Authorities identified the assailants as a 50‑year‑old father and his 24‑year‑old son. The older man was shot dead at the scene, while the son was taken to hospital for treatment.
Evidence and Investigation
Police commissioner Krissy Barrett said the shooting was a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cited evidence, including the presence of Islamic State flags in a seized vehicle. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed the vehicle, registered to the younger suspect, contained improvised explosive devices and two homemade ISIS flags. The older suspect had a legally acquired cache of six weapons.
Government Response
Albanese and state leaders pledged to tighten gun laws, the most sweeping reforms since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. The older suspect had amassed six weapons legally, raising questions about gun access.
Key Takeaways
- 15 people were killed and 25 injured at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach.
- The suspects were a father and son, aged 50 and 24.
- Evidence points to an Islamic State‑inspired attack, with seized flags and improvised explosives.
The investigation continues as authorities probe how the suspects planned the attack and whether Australian Jews were adequately protected amid rising antisemitism.
