A father and son were responsible for the mass shooting that left 16 people dead and at least 40 others hospitalized during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, New South Wales Police said on Monday. The tragic incident, which occurred on the first day of the Jewish festival, is being treated as a terrorist attack.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the father, aged 50, is dead, while his 24-year-old son is in critical but stable condition in a hospital. Authorities confirmed that no additional suspects are being sought at this time.
The shooting took place at around 6:45 p.m. local time during an annual event called “Chanukah By The Sea,” which marks the lighting of the first candle on the Menorah to celebrate the Jewish holiday. The event had begun at 5 p.m. and attracted families from across Sydney.
Commissioner Lanyon confirmed that the father was a licensed gun owner and possessed six legally registered firearms. All six guns were recovered—some from the scene of the attack and others during searches executed at two separate locations by investigators. The police are also investigating multiple improvised explosive devices found in a vehicle near the scene, with a bomb disposal unit deployed to secure the devices.
The victims of the shooting were aged between 10 and 87 years old, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attack. Among the wounded are two police officers who were on duty at the scene. Hospital authorities continue to provide treatment for the injured, many of whom sustained life-threatening injuries.
“The attack targeted the Jewish community,” Commissioner Lanyon said, describing the incident as one of the most serious acts of violence against Jews in Australia in recent years. Officials noted that this attack is considered the worst since the Hamas terror attacks on October 7, 2023, which claimed hundreds of lives in Israel and Palestine.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the gunmen opened fire during the ceremony. Families and participants fled in panic while emergency services rushed to the scene. The attack has left the Sydney Jewish community in shock, with leaders calling for calm and support for the victims’ families.
Investigations have revealed that the father and son may have planned the attack in advance. Authorities are examining the recovered firearms, explosives, and other evidence to determine the motive behind the shooting. Police are also working with security agencies to assess whether the attackers had external assistance or connections to extremist groups.
The international response was immediate. Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack while speaking at an event in Jerusalem honoring immigrants’ achievements. “At these very moments, our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Chanukah on Bondi Beach,” he said. “Our hearts go out to them. The heart of the entire nation of Israel misses a beat at this very moment, as we pray for the recovery of the wounded, we pray for them and we pray for those who lost their lives.”
The Australian government also expressed condolences and vowed to bring those responsible to justice. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as “an act of terror” and said the government would provide full support to the victims, their families, and the Jewish community.
The Bondi Beach attack raises concerns about rising anti-Semitic violence in countries far from the conflict zones of the Middle East. Security experts have warned that extremist ideologies can motivate lone actors or small groups to carry out acts of terror even in communities previously considered safe.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Law enforcement agencies have increased security around Jewish centers, schools, and synagogues across Sydney. They also stressed the importance of community cooperation in preventing further attacks.
The use of legally owned firearms in the attack has sparked debate in Australia, where strict gun laws are in place. Police are reviewing how the guns were acquired and whether existing regulations failed to prevent the deadly incident.
For the local Jewish community, the attack has created fear and uncertainty. Leaders are calling on Australians of all faiths to stand against hatred and ensure that events like Hanukkah can be celebrated safely in the future.
“This is a dark day for our community and for Australia,” one community leader said. “But we must remain united and support the victims. Acts of terror will not divide us.”
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to release more information about the planning and motives of the father and son. Meanwhile, support services, including counseling and medical assistance, are being offered to the families of the victims and those injured.
Police have appealed to the public not to speculate about the identities or motives of the attackers, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing. They warned that spreading misinformation could hinder efforts to bring justice and support the affected families.
The Bondi Beach mass shooting has sent shockwaves not only across Australia but also around the world. Leaders from several countries have offered condolences and promised cooperation with Australian authorities to prevent similar attacks in the future.
This tragic incident is a reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism and the need for communities and governments to work together to prevent violence, protect vulnerable groups, and uphold safety at public events.