Twelve killed in terrorist attack during Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach

Two gunmen opened fire on attendees of a Jewish celebration on Bondi beach in Sydney on the evening of Sunday 14 December 2025 at around 6:45pm local Australian time. The incident resulted in at least 12 deaths and around 29 injuries, including two police officers. Authorities classified the episode as a terrorist act aimed at the Jewish community, during the first day of the Hanukkah.

Police neutralized one of the shooters at the scene, while the second was detained in critical condition. Centenas of people were gathering for the event “Chanukah by the Sea”, organized by Chabad of Bondi, when the shooting began. Entre the fatal victims is the assistant rabbi Eli Schlanger, one of the organizers of the event.

Witnesses reported widespread rushing, with people abandoning belongings and seeking shelter behind trees and vehicles. A civilian disarmed one of the shooters, an action that received praise from authorities.

Incident details

The shots occurred in Archer Park, an area close to Bondi Pavilion, where the event commemorated the lighting of the first candle on Hanukkah. Vídeos captured by those present show the shooters positioned on an elevated bridge, from where they fired shots with long weapons.

Police quickly responded to the call received at 6:47 p.m., cordoning off the area and beginning a search for suspicious items. Agentes located improvised explosive devices in a vehicle linked to one of the suspects, which were defused by the bomb disposal team.

One of the shooters was identified as Naveed Akram, a resident of Bonnyrigg, southwest of Sydney. Operações police officers occurred at residences related to those involved, resulting in additional arrests.

• At least 12 confirmed fatalities, including civilians and a shooter.
• 29 injured transported to hospitals, with two police officers in surgery.
• The event brought together families and tourists for a peaceful celebration.
• Police were examining possible connections to previous threats.

Reactions from Australian authorities

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese classified the attack as an act of anti-Semitism and terrorism. Ele highlighted solidarity with the Jewish community and stated that the country will not bend to violence.

The premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, expressed pain for the affected community. Minns reinforced that the incident specifically targeted participants in the Jewish event, turning a night of celebration into tragedy.

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed the declaration of a terrorist incident based on the target chosen and the weapons used. Lanyon reported that one of the suspects was known to the security services, but had no previous specific threat.

Police action and initial investigation

Police officers arrived at the scene minutes after the first shots were fired and confronted the shooters. One of them died in an exchange of gunfire, while the other was captured with serious injuries.

Specialized teams removed the explosive devices found near the bridge used by the shooters. The area remained isolated for hours for criminal investigation.

Federal and state authorities are coordinating the investigation, including analysis of possible motivations and connections. One of the suspects remained in critical condition in custody.

Context of anti-Semitic incidents

Austrália has recorded a significant increase in anti-Semitic episodes since October 2023. Relatórios officials point to a tripling of cases, including vandalism and assaults in Sydney and

Jewish communities are concentrated in the eastern regions of Sydney, where Bondi represents a symbolic point. Eventos audiences like Chanukah by the Sea attract participants from diverse backgrounds.

Strict gun control laws in place since 1996 make mass shootings rare in the country. Previous Incidentes involved isolated cases, with no scale comparable to that of Bondi.

International responses

World leaders expressed condemnation of the attack. The president of Israel, Isaac Herzog, sent condolences and called for action against anti-Semitism in Austrália.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has beefed up security at Jewish events at Reino Unido. Outros governments, including Índia and Alemanha, expressed solidarity with the victims.

Australian Jewish organizations described the episode as a realization of accumulated fears. Elas called for national unity against hate.

Gift Testimonials

A tourist from Melbourne reported hearing initial gunshots and instinctively running for minutes. Ele described scenes of people crying and abandoning personal items at the scene.

Another couple in a nearby hotel watched the escape through the window, with constant gunfire for a long period. Eles sought shelter and reported the loud sound of gunfire.

A civilian who disarmed a shooter was recognized as a hero by family and authorities. The action contributed to containing part of the threat.

Further security measures

Police increased patrols in Jewish areas of Sydney and other cities. Eventos similar to Hanukkah received immediate reinforcement.

Hospitals activated emergency protocols to treat the injured. Equipes psychological services offer support to witnesses and family members.

Investigations continue to identify exact motivations and possible accomplices. Autoridades appeal for information from the public.

Event organization

The Chabad of Bondi has been promoting “Chanukah by the Sea” annually since previous years. The initiative aims at community outreach during Jewish holidays.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger had served as an assistant at the local center for over 18 years. Ele coordinated public activities and support for Jewish travelers.

The Chabad movement maintains global hubs known for open events. The celebration included lighting a menorah and family attractions.

Evolution of the number of victims

Authorities updated the death toll to 12 overnight. Inicialmente reported 11, with adjustments following the arrival of injured people at hospitals.

The 29 injured are receiving treatment in multiple units of Sydney. Dois police officers are among those affected, in stable condition.

Searches for possible additional victims ended without new findings. Police confirmed there was no active threat.

Community positioning

Australian Jewish leaders called for national unity against hate. Eles highlighted the impact on families during a holiday of light and hope.

Muslim organizations condemned the violence and advocated social harmony. Elas reinforced their rejection of acts of terror in the name of any group.

The local population expressed solidarity through messages and spontaneous vigils. Sydney maintains a climate of collective mourning.

Ongoing investigation

Forensic teams analyze the crime scene and items collected. Autoridades examine vehicles and residences linked to the suspects.

Possible third party involved remains under police investigation. Declarações officials avoid premature details about motivations.

The federal government convened a national security committee to coordinate responses. Medidas include review of intelligence on known threats.