Australian authorities continue to investigate the December 14, 2025, mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, where a father and son allegedly used legally registered firearms to target a Hanukkah celebration, resulting in 15 civilian deaths and dozens injured. The incident, declared a terrorist act with antisemitic motives, has reignited discussions about the country’s firearms regulations nearly three decades after the reforms prompted by the Port Arthur massacre.

New South Wales Police identified the suspects as Sajid Akram, 50, who was killed at the scene during an exchange with officers, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, who remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition under police guard and is expected to face charges. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed the elder Akram held a valid firearms license since 2015 for recreational purposes, linked to membership in a gun club, and was registered to own six weapons. All six were recovered, with several seized at the scene and others from related properties, and ballistics tests are underway to confirm their use in the attack.

The shooting unfolded around 6:47 p.m. local time in Archer Park adjacent to Bondi Beach, during the “Chanukah by the Sea” event organized by Chabad of Bondi, attended by approximately 1,000 people, many families and children. Verified footage shows the pair firing from a pedestrian bridge overlooking the park, using longarms including rifles and shotguns. Chaos ensued as crowds fled, with one bystander, fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, tackling and disarming one gunman despite sustaining injuries. Police responded swiftly, neutralizing the threat.

Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87, including a young girl and Rabbi Eli Schlanger, an assistant at Chabad of Bondi. At least 40 others were wounded, including police officers. Improvised explosive devices were found in the suspects’ vehicle and safely disarmed. IS flags were reportedly discovered in the car, and investigators believe the pair pledged allegiance to the group.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the event as a deliberate antisemitic terrorist act, stating Bondi Beach, a symbol of joy and community, had been “forever tarnished.” He convened a national cabinet meeting to review licensing processes, including limits on firearm numbers per owner and periodic reviews, noting circumstances can change over time, such as potential radicalization. NSW Premier Chris Minns echoed calls for legislative changes, emphasizing weapons with “no practical use” in the community.

Australia’s firearms laws, strengthened after the 1996 Port Arthur incident that killed 35, include strict licensing, registration, background checks, and bans on semi-automatic rifles and pump-action shotguns for most civilians. Recreational hunting licenses require genuine reasons, safe storage, and club membership verification. Despite these measures, the Bondi attack marks the deadliest mass shooting since Port Arthur, highlighting rare but persistent gaps.

Intelligence sources revealed Naveed Akram came under scrutiny by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) in 2019 due to associations with a Sydney-based Islamic State cell, though he was deemed not an immediate threat at the time. No prior indications of planning emerged for either suspect, who resided in suburbs like Bonnyrigg and Campsie. Raids on their properties yielded additional evidence, but police stressed limited background knowledge initially.

The Joint Counter Terrorism Team, comprising state and federal agencies, leads the probe. ASIO confirmed one offender was previously known but downplayed ongoing risks pre-incident. International reactions included condolences from U.S. President Joe Biden, who called it “shocking and unconscionable,” and Israeli leaders linking it to rising global antisemitism.

Community response has been marked by vigils and memorials at Bondi Pavilion, with flowers, flags, and messages of solidarity. Jewish organizations praised police and civilian bravery while expressing grief over the targeted nature. Security heightened around places of worship nationwide.

Experts note Australia’s low gun violence rates compared globally, attributing success to post-Port Arthur buybacks and restrictions that removed hundreds of thousands of firearms. However, licensed owners retaining multiple weapons for sporting or hunting purposes remains permissible under certain conditions, prompting scrutiny here.

Proposed reforms may include caps on owned firearms, enhanced mental health and ideological screenings, and non-perpetual licenses requiring renewal with updated assessments. Minns indicated NSW action forthcoming, coordinated nationally for consistency.

The suspects’ family expressed shock, with relatives describing Naveed as reclusive and unemployed recently, unaware of extremist leanings. Sajid owned a local fruit shop and appeared integrated.

Eyewitness accounts detailed prolonged gunfire and panic, with some initially mistaking shots for fireworks. Off-duty officers rushed to assist, commended for rapid response.

As investigations proceed, focus shifts to victim support, community healing, and policy adjustments to prevent recurrence. Flags flew at half-mast, and bipartisan leaders urged unity against hate.

The attack’s timing on Hanukkah’s first night amplified its impact on Australia’s Jewish population, estimated at over 100,000, many in Sydney. Chabad events promote inclusivity, drawing diverse attendees.

Forensic analysis continues at the expansive crime scene, closed to the public. Hospitals report stabilizing most injured, though some remain serious.

Public discourse balances mourning with calls for measured reform, avoiding knee-jerk changes while addressing exposed vulnerabilities.

Bondi Beach, a global tourism icon, saw immediate visitor drop-off, but locals vow resilience.

This incident underscores ongoing challenges in detecting lone or small-group radicalization, even within regulated systems.

Authorities reassure no further threats, but vigilance persists.

Australia confronts a somber milestone in its firearms history.