Death toll in weekend terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach rises to 15
The death toll in a terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach over the weekend rose to 15, while more than 40 others were injured, with a father and son duo identified as suspects, local police said Monday.
The mass shooting, declared a terrorist attack by Australian authorities, occurred on Sunday, December 14, 2025, during a Hanukkah celebration. Fifteen people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, two rabbis, and a Holocaust survivor. Ages ranged from 10 to 87.
Police identified the two gunmen as a father and son, Sajid Akram (50) and Naveed Akram (24). Sajid Akram was killed by police at the scene, while Naveed is in critical condition in hospital.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated the attack was “a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State”. “Homemade” IS flags were found in the vehicle used by the suspects. The incident has led to widespread global condemnation and calls for stricter gun laws in Australia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the “ghastly terrorist attack” and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he said:
“On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief. India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and supports the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism”.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also condemned the attack and reiterated India’s commitment to countering terrorism.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi too sent a message of condolence to Albanese on Monday, saying, “I am deeply saddened and profoundly outraged by reports of the mass shooting that occurred at Bondi Beach in Sydney.”
“Such a brutal act of terrorism is absolutely unacceptable under any circumstances,” she said in the message released by the Japanese government. “At this difficult time, Japan stands with Australia.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the two had targeted a Hanukkah celebration attended by over a thousand Jewish people.
The Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported that the son had come under investigation in 2019 for ties to the Islamic State extremist group.
According to the police, the suspects had six firearms in their possession, while explosive devices were discovered in the car, believed to be linked to the father.
It is the worst shooting in Australia since 1996 when 35 people were killed in an attack in Port Arthur, Tasmania.
Albanese called the Sunday attack an “act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.”
