SYDNEY, Australia – Australia’s leaders have agreed to strengthen the nation’s gun laws following a devastating attack that killed 15 people at a Jewish festival on Bondi Beach, marking the country’s worst mass shooting in decades. Authorities have denounced the incident as antisemitic terrorism.
The attack unfolded Sunday evening as crowds gathered on the iconic Sydney beach to celebrate the start of Hanukkah. A father and son opened fire on the festival-goers, sending dozens fleeing in panic across the sand.
Among the victims were a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, and a local rabbi, while 42 others were hospitalized with gunshot wounds and related injuries.
Swift government response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened an emergency meeting of state and territory leaders Monday, with officials unanimously agreeing “to strengthen gun laws across the nation.”
The proposed reforms include enhanced background checks for firearm owners, restrictions preventing non-nationals from obtaining gun licenses, and limitations on legal weapon types, according to Albanese’s office.
The shooting has reignited debate over Australia’s gun control measures, which have been globally praised since sweeping reforms following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre that claimed 35 lives. Those changes introduced a gun buy-back program, national firearms registry, and strict controls on semi-automatic weapons.
However, questions now surround how the two suspects – who Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports had possible ties to the Islamic State group – obtained their firearms.
“An act of pure evil”
Investigators continue working to understand the attackers’ motivations, though authorities confirmed the assault specifically targeted Jewish people.
“This was an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores,” Albanese declared.
The incident adds to growing concerns about antisemitic violence affecting Australia’s Jewish communities, particularly since the 7 October 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Gaza conflict.
The Australian government previously accused Iran of orchestrating recent antisemitic attacks and expelled Tehran’s ambassador four months ago. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier criticised Australia’s government for “pouring oil on the fire of antisemitism,” referencing Canberra’s August announcement recognising Palestinian statehood.
International leaders, including US President Donald Trump, condemned what he called the “antisemitic attack.”
Ten minutes of terror
The gunmen targeted an annual celebration drawing more than 1,000 people to the beach for Hanukkah festivities. Positioning themselves on an elevated boardwalk, they fired into crowds of swimmers enjoying the warm summer evening.
“We thought it was fireworks,” witness Beatrice, who was celebrating her birthday when the shooting began, told AFP. “We’re just feeling lucky we’re all safe.”
Armed with long-barrelled weapons, the attackers continued their assault for approximately 10 minutes before police fatally shot the 50-year-old father. His 24-year-old son was arrested and remains hospitalised under guard with serious injuries.
Australian media identified the suspects as Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke revealed the father arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998 and later became a permanent resident, while the son was born in Australia.
Police discovered a homemade explosive device in a car near the beach hours after the shooting, which authorities believe the pair had planted.
Acts of heroism amid chaos
Despite the terror, several individuals demonstrated remarkable courage, rushing toward danger to help others.
Fruit seller Ahmed al Ahmed, 43, was captured on footage confronting one gunman, wrestling the weapon from his hands before turning it on the attacker as he retreated.
Off-duty lifeguards sprinted across the sand under gunfire to evacuate children from playground areas.
“The team ran out under fire to try and clear children from the playground while the gunmen were firing,” said Steven Pearce from Surf Life Saving New South Wales.
Injured victims were transported across the beach on surfboards converted into emergency stretchers.
Community in mourning
Rabbi Mendel Kastel, whose brother-in-law was among the deceased, called for unity: “We need to hold strong. This is not the Australia that we know. This is not the Australia that we want.”
Monday evening saw hundreds gathering near Bondi Beach at a growing flower memorial, with community members – including many from the Jewish community – singing, clapping, and embracing one another.
During a menorah lighting ceremony, a rabbi addressed the crowd: “The only strength we have is if we bring light into the world.”
Security concerns mount
Police have avoided discussing the attackers’ religious or ideological backgrounds, citing ongoing investigations. However, misinformation targeting immigrants and Muslim communities spread rapidly online following the attack.
Authorities responded Monday to reports of pig heads discovered at a Muslim cemetery in southwestern Sydney, highlighting fears of retaliatory incidents.
The investigation continues as Australia grapples with questions about security, gun access, and the protection of religious communities in an increasingly polarised environment.
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