Image Credit: Reuters
Latest Update: Australia is moving quickly to strengthen its gun laws after the Bondi Beach mass shooting, where a father and son killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared the attack a terrorist act and vowed decisive reforms.
The Attack
- On December 14, 2025, two gunmen — identified as Sajid Akram (50) and his son Naveed Akram (24) — opened fire on crowds gathered at Bondi Beach in Sydney for a Hanukkah festival.
- 15 people were killed, including a 10‑year‑old child, two rabbis, and a Holocaust survivor.
- 42 others were injured, with many still hospitalized.
- Police shot and killed Sajid Akram at the scene, while Naveed Akram was critically wounded and remains under guard in hospital.
Government Response
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the shooting an act of “evil antisemitism and terrorism”.
- The National Cabinet has agreed to renegotiate the National Firearms Agreement, aiming to:
- Limit the number of firearms an individual can own.
- Restrict open‑ended licenses.
- Require Australian citizenship for firearm ownership.
- Use criminal intelligence in licensing decisions.
- Flags across Australia were lowered to half‑mast in mourning for the victims.
International Reaction
- Israel’s parliament (Knesset) lit up its facade with the Australian flag in solidarity.
- Leaders from Japan, China, and Slovakia sent condolences to Australia.
- The UK’s Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, said Jewish communities must be able to gather safely, calling the attack a test of society’s moral health.
Community Impact
- Vigils have been held in Sydney and Melbourne to honor the victims.
- Tributes poured in for victims, including Dan Elkayam, a 27‑year‑old soccer player remembered by his club as “happy‑go‑lucky and talented”.
- Heroic acts were reported: Ahmed al‑Ahmed, a fruit seller, tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen, saving lives despite being shot himself.
- Police are investigating possible extremist ties; reports suggest Naveed Akram was previously examined for links to an ISIS cell.
- Parliament is expected to fast‑track new gun legislation in the coming weeks.
- Security has been tightened at Jewish sites across Australia, with Hanukkah events canceled in Sydney and the Gold Coast.
The Bondi Beach shooting has reignited Australia’s gun control debate nearly 30 years after the Port Arthur massacre. With 15 dead and dozens injured, the government is preparing sweeping reforms to prevent future tragedies while communities mourn the victims of this antisemitic terrorist attack.
