Sydney Bondi Beach Attack Leaves 16 Dead During Jewish Festival

Sydney Bondi Beach Attack: ISIS Flags Found, Pakistani Father-Son Duo Behind Deadly Carnage

SYDNEY, Australia — December 15, 2025 — A horrific mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney killed 16 people, including one of the attackers, and wounded dozens during a Jewish festival, in what authorities have formally described as a terrorist attack. 

The violence unfolded on Sunday evening at the “Chanukah by the Sea” event — a seaside celebration marking the start of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah — when two gunmen opened fire on the crowd. Hundreds had gathered for the festivities when shots rang out near the beach’s playground and park area. 

Attackers Identified
New South Wales police and international media have identified the suspects as a father and son of Pakistani origin. The elder, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was killed by police at the scene. His 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, was critically wounded, taken to hospital under heavy guard, and later charged in connection with the attack. 

Police later discovered two ISIS flags and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in a vehicle linked to the shooters, deepening concerns over extremist motives and prompting the classification of the assault as an act of terrorism. 

Casualties and Chaos
At least 16 people were killed, including a child and one attacker, and dozens more were wounded, some critically. The attack left families and tourists scrambling for safety as gunfire erupted near Campbell Parade and local parks.

In the chaotic aftermath, bystanders and police confronted the attackers. A civilian was filmed wresting a rifle from one of the gunmen, an act later praised by officials for saving lives. 

National Response
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the carnage as an antisemitic terror attack, calling it “pure evil” and an assault on the nation’s values. Authorities have heightened security and launched extensive investigations into possible radical links and how legally held firearms were acquired and used.