16 Killed in Deadly Shooting at Hanukkah Event on Bondi Beach, Sydney
SYDNEY, Australia — A tragic mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach left 16 people dead, including one of the gunmen, and 40 others hospitalized, authorities confirmed Monday. The attack, carried out by a father and son duo, has sent shockwaves through Australia’s Jewish community and reignited concerns over the country’s handling of antisemitic violence.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon revealed during a press conference that the suspects were a 50-year-old man and his 24-year-old son. The father was killed during the incident, while the son remains in critical but stable condition in a local hospital. Police are not currently seeking any additional suspects.
Commissioner Lanyon disclosed that the father was a licensed firearms owner with six legally registered guns, all of which have been recovered. Some were found at the scene of the shooting, while others were seized during search warrants executed at two properties in Campsie and Bonnyrigg, suburbs of Sydney. The family’s residential address was in Bonnyrigg, though they were staying in Campsie at the time of the attack.
The father held a Category A/B firearms license, which permits possession of long firearms typically used for recreational hunting. He had maintained this license for approximately a decade, with no prior incidents reported to authorities. “There was very little knowledge of either of these men by the authorities,” Lanyon said, emphasizing that the father met all eligibility criteria for his gun license.
In addition to the firearms, police discovered two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at one of the searched homes. The devices were described as rudimentary but active. A specialized bomb disposal unit safely rendered them inert, preventing further potential harm.
This attack occurred amid a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents across Australia. Jewish community leaders and advocacy groups have criticized the government for failing to adequately address the growing threat. The Australian Government has faced mounting pressure to implement stronger security measures to protect vulnerable communities.
International responses have also been swift. Israeli officials condemned the attack and expressed frustration with what they described as “countless warning signs” that were overlooked. The incident has drawn parallels to similar acts of violence targeting Jewish communities globally.
Authorities continue to investigate the motives behind the shooting. Commissioner Lanyon confirmed that the attack was classified as a terror incident, with law enforcement agencies collaborating closely to uncover any wider networks or influences.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Australian security services have historically worked together on counterterrorism efforts, though this case remains under Australian jurisdiction. The New South Wales Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
As the community mourns, health workers and emergency responders have been commended for their rapid response and care for the injured. The incident has deeply affected not only Sydney but also Jewish populations worldwide, highlighting the persistent dangers of hate-driven violence.
Further updates are expected as investigators piece together the full circumstances surrounding the attack. The Australian government has pledged to review its policies on gun ownership and community safety in light of this devastating event. For ongoing information, the New South Wales Government and local authorities remain the primary sources for official updates.
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