Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Australian authorities have confirmed that the perpetrators of the deadly attack at Bondi Beach were a father and son, bringing greater clarity to one of the most shocking acts of mass violence in the country’s recent history. The assault, which unfolded during a Hanukkah celebration at Australia’s most famous beach, left at least 16 people dead, with victims ranging in age from 10 to 87.
Police identified the attackers as Naveed Akram, 24, and his 50-year-old father. Investigators say the pair deliberately targeted families who had gathered for the religious celebration, turning a festive evening into a scene of chaos and terror. Officials initially reported 15 fatalities, but later confirmed that the death toll had risen as critically injured victims succumbed to their wounds.
The shooting began around 6.40pm along Campbell Parade near the Bondi Pavilion, as hundreds of locals and tourists gathered at the popular beachfront precinct on a hot summer evening. The event, known as Chanukah by the Sea, had been promoted as a family-friendly celebration marking the first night of Hanukkah, with many children in attendance.
Witnesses said the attackers emerged from a vehicle and began firing rifles toward the crowd, with some estimating more than 30 shots were discharged. Video and photographs from the scene showed one of the gunmen firing from an elevated position on a nearby bridge, sending people scrambling for cover as panic spread along the beach.
NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed late Sunday that twelve people had been killed. Up to 29 others were injured, including a child and two police officers, and were taken to hospitals across Sydney. The full extent of some injuries remained unclear overnight.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence, confirming the shooting had been declared an act of terrorism. He described it as a targeted antisemitic attack on Jewish Australians during a sacred religious celebration.
“This is an act of evil,” Albanese said. “An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.”
Police identified one of the gunmen as Naveed Akram, 24, from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s southwest. Akram, who was known to authorities and listed on a terror watch list, was shot during the incident, arrested, and remains in custody under medical treatment. The second gunman was shot dead at the scene.
Police later raided Akram’s family home in Bonnyrigg, which his family had owned for about a year. Investigators also confirmed the discovery of suspicious items near the attack site, including a homemade explosive device, which was being examined by specialist bomb disposal officers. Authorities said they were investigating whether a third individual may have been involved.
A black-and-white flag was found abandoned on the bonnet of a silver Honda near the scene, though its significance had not been confirmed.
Among the victims was Alex Kleytman, who was fatally shot while trying to shield his wife, Larisa, from gunfire. The couple, married for nearly 50 years, had travelled from Matraville to attend the Hanukkah celebration. Mrs Kleytman said she believed her husband was shot in the back of the head as he moved to protect her. The pair emigrated to Australia from Ukraine and leave behind two children and 11 grandchildren.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as beachgoers fled in all directions, some hiding behind concrete walls while others ran into the ocean to escape the gunfire. An English tourist identified only as Finn said he initially mistook the shots for fireworks while on a video call with his family in London, before realising what was happening and seeing victims fall.
Another witness, Tim Hamilton, said he was with friends in North Bondi when he heard what he thought was a car backfiring, only to see people running at full speed away from the pavilion. He later encountered a man bleeding heavily several blocks away, suggesting bullets had travelled a considerable distance.
The beach, typically one of Sydney’s most heavily trafficked tourist areas, was sealed off as an extensive crime scene. Families were evacuated around 9pm, many parents wrapping children in emergency blankets as they were escorted away by police.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the shooting as a “very cruel attack on Jews,” while Jewish leaders across Australia expressed grief and solidarity with the victims. Federal MP Julian Leeser described the attack as a moment of national shock and urged Australians to stand together against hatred and violence.
Police said there were no reports of related incidents elsewhere in Sydney, including at Dover Heights, where another Hanukkah event had been planned. Authorities urged the public not to spread unverified information and appealed for witnesses with mobile phone or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.
As investigators work to piece together the full scope of the attack, the tragedy has left the Bondi community and the nation grappling with one of the deadliest acts of terrorism in Australia in recent years.
