The city of Sydney is reeling following a devastating terrorist attack at Bondi Beach that left 16 people dead, including one of the perpetrators, and dozens injured. Police have identified the two attackers as a father-son duo, bringing a grim focus to what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned as an "act of evil antisemitism."
The fatalities include the deceased shooter, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, who was killed by police at the scene. His 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, remains in a critical but stable condition in a hospital under police guard. The death toll was confirmed to have risen to 16 overnight, with victims ranging in age from 10 to 87. Tragically, a 10-year-old child and a British-born Rabbi are confirmed among the dead.
Targeted Attack on Jewish Community during Hanukkah
The coordinated attack unfolded on Sunday evening at approximately 6:45 PM local time, targeting a gathering of over 1,000 people celebrating the first night of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah at Archer Park, a grassy area near North Bondi.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the attackers, armed with "long guns," opened fire from a pedestrian footbridge, scattering crowds of beachgoers, tourists, and festival attendees. The attack is being treated as a targeted act of terrorism against the Jewish community.
"What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores in an iconic Australian location," said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, as he visited the scene.
Heroic Bystander and Ongoing Investigation
Amidst the terror, tales of extraordinary heroism have emerged. A bystander, named by relatives as fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, was captured on video tackling and disarming one of the gunmen, an act credited with saving numerous lives. The hero reportedly suffered multiple gunshot wounds and is recovering after surgery.
The two suspects, who had reportedly told family they were going on a fishing trip, were both known to security services, though the younger Akram was not deemed an "immediate threat." Police have since raided the suspects' home in the Sydney suburb of Bonnyrigg and discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in their vehicle at the scene.
The investigation, now led by the Counter-Terrorism Command, is focused on determining the motive, how the high-powered weapons were obtained, and whether the pair had any accomplices. This horrific incident marks the deadliest shooting in Australia in nearly three decades, prompting a national period of mourning and heightened security.
