Hannukah Party Turns to Horror
Bondi Beach Terror Attack: What We Know About the Perpetrators
Australian authorities declare the Bondi Beach Hanukkah shooting a targeted terrorist attack on the Jewish community, leaving 12 dead and dozens injured as investigators probe the gunmen and possible explosives.
Australian authorities have declared the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach a terrorist incident explicitly targeting the Jewish community. At least 12 people were killed, including one gunman, with 29 others injured, including two police officers. One shooter was killed at the scene, while the second is in critical condition in custody. Limited details have been officially released about the perpetrators, as investigations continue.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed the attack involved two gunmen armed with long-barreled weapons, who fired from an elevated position near a footbridge. Improvised explosive devices were discovered in a vehicle linked to the suspects, now neutralized by bomb squads.
One of the gunmen has been identified by multiple Australian media outlets, citing senior law enforcement sources, as Naveed Akram, a 24-year-old resident of Bonnyrigg in Sydney's south-west suburbs. Reports describe him as a bricklayer who recently lost his job. Police raided a home linked to him in Bonnyrigg on Sunday evening. It remains unclear whether Akram was the deceased shooter or the one in custody.The second gunman's identity has not been publicly disclosed.
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess stated one of the individuals was previously known to authorities but "not in an immediate-threat perspective." Police have not confirmed any prior watchlist status or specific ideological motivations, though the targeting of a prominent Jewish event on the first night of Hanukkah has led to widespread condemnation as an antisemitic attack.
No evidence of additional perpetrators has been confirmed, though early investigations explored a possible third involvement. Authorities urge the public to avoid speculation and rely on official updates.
NSW Police and federal agencies are leading the probe, with heightened security for Jewish community events nationwide.
In a chilling twist, the Mossad reportedly sent Australia numerous warnings about an impending terror attack, which Australia chose to ignore. Twelve Jews paid with their lives for that decision.
Our deepest condolences to the victims and their families.
Baruch Dayan HaEmet.