Eyewitness Shmulik Scuri, who attended the “Chanukah by the Sea” event with his family at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, has described a prolonged period of gunfire during which he claims arriving officers did not immediately engage the shooters. In interviews with media outlets, Scuri recounted the attack lasting around 20 minutes, with the father-son duo firing repeatedly and reloading without initial interference from police on site.

Scuri told reporters the gunmen “shoot, shoot. Change magazines. And just shoot,” targeting attendees indiscriminately, including children and elderly individuals. He expressed confusion over the response, stating, “Twenty minutes, there was four policemen there. Nobody give fire back. Nothing. Like they froze. I don’t understand why.” His account, widely circulated through outlets like the New York Post and international reports, has fueled public discussion about tactical decisions in the chaotic scene.

The attack, declared a terrorist incident with antisemitic motives by authorities, unfolded around 6:45 p.m. local time in Archer Park during a Hanukkah celebration drawing over 1,000 people. Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, allegedly used six legally registered longarms, firing from a pedestrian bridge and ground level. Fifteen civilians died, ranging in age from 10 to 87, with over 40 injured, including two officers. Sajid was killed in an exchange with police, while Naveed remains hospitalized in critical condition under guard.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed officers responded promptly upon reports, engaging the suspects and neutralizing the threat. He praised the “outstanding bravery” of personnel, noting multiple officers exchanged fire, with two sustaining wounds requiring surgery. Lanyon described the scene as “incredibly chaotic and terrifying,” even for trained responders facing armed assailants with longarms.

Footage verified by multiple sources shows bystander Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner, tackling and disarming Sajid Akram midway through the incident. Al Ahmed, wounded twice, has been hailed by leaders including Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for actions that likely saved lives. Some reports suggest police engagement intensified following this intervention, though timelines remain under review by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team.

Australian leaders convened emergency meetings to address firearms licensing, with Albanese announcing national cabinet discussions on potential reforms, including limits on weapon numbers and enhanced assessments. The elder Akram held a valid recreational license since 2015, tied to club membership, despite Australia’s strict post-Port Arthur regulations banning most semi-automatics for civilians.

Scuri’s perspective aligns with initial confusion reported by other witnesses, who mistook early shots for fireworks before panic set in. Many described fleeing crowds, hiding behind structures, or seeking shelter in nearby venues. Off-duty officers also rushed to assist, contributing to the eventual containment.

Police statements emphasize a comprehensive response, with over 300 officers deployed post-incident for community reassurance under Operation Shelter. Lanyon noted rudimentary improvised explosives disarmed from the suspects’ vehicle, alongside IS-related materials, underscoring the premeditated nature.

Community vigils at Bondi Pavilion drew mourners laying flowers and messages of solidarity. Jewish organizations expressed grief while commending civilian and official efforts. Heightened security surrounds places of worship nationwide, with global leaders condemning the targeting of Hanukkah celebrants.

Investigators recovered all six firearms, conducting ballistics tests. Naveed Akram had prior ASIO scrutiny in 2019 over associations, deemed non-immediate at the time. Family members described the pair as integrated, with no evident prior criminal history.

Public reactions blend mourning with calls for transparency on response protocols. Experts highlight Australia’s low gun violence rates due to 1996 reforms, yet acknowledge challenges in detecting radicalization among licensed owners.

As forensics continue at the expansive site, hospitals report stabilizing most injured. Support services mobilize for traumatized survivors, including children transferred to specialized facilities.

The incident, Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since 1996, prompts reflection on preparedness amid rising global antisemitism concerns. Bipartisan figures urge unity, rejecting retribution.

Scuri’s raw account captures the terror’s duration from ground level, contrasting official timelines of swift neutralization. Independent reviews may clarify sequences, ensuring lessons for future incidents.

Bondi Beach, closed for investigations, symbolizes resilience as locals vow return. Memorials grow, honoring victims like Rabbi Eli Schlanger and Holocaust survivors.

International condolences pour in, with enhanced protections at Hanukkah events worldwide.

Australia navigates grief while examining systemic safeguards.