Tragedy at Bondi Beach: Mass shooting at Jewish festival kills 15, injures dozens

SYDNEY, Australia – Two gunmen attacked a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens, Australian authorities reported.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the shooting “devastating” and described it as “a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah.” He added, “The evil that was unleashed at Bondi Beach today is beyond comprehension, and the trauma and loss that families are dealing with tonight is beyond anyone’s worst nightmare.”

About 40 people remain in hospital, according to a statement from New South Wales (NSW) police. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the attack sent shock waves across Australia.

One of the gunmen, a 50-year-old man, was killed at the scene. His 24-year-old son, the second gunman, was taken into custody and is in critical condition. Lanyon confirmed authorities are not looking for a third person.

The police commissioner said the older man had six firearms licences, and six guns were found at the scene. “Ballistics and forensic investigation will determine whether those six firearms are the six that were licensed to that man,” he said. Lanyon also confirmed that two active “rudimentary” explosive devices were found, adding, “I’m very glad that those devices were not activated.”

Bondi Beach and surrounding roads will remain closed on Monday as investigators continue their work.

Dramatic footage from the scene shows a bystander tackling one of the shooters and taking his gun. The suspect then backed away toward a bridge where another shooter was located. Local media identified the bystander as 43-year-old fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, who placed the gun on the ground.

NSW Premier Chris Minns praised al Ahmed’s bravery, calling it “the most unbelievable scene I’ve ever seen.” He said, “A man walking up to a gunman who had fired on the community and single-handedly disarming him, putting his own life at risk to save the lives of countless other people. That man is a genuine hero, and I’ve got no doubt that there are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery.”