The tragic mass shooting that occurred at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 14, 2025, has been formally declared a terrorist incident and remains the subject of a major investigation by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT). The event, which targeted an annual “Chanukah by the Sea” gathering, resulted in a devastating loss of life and injuries, making it the deadliest mass shooting in Australia in nearly three decades.
Confirmed Casualties and Injuries
As of the latest updates, the death toll stands at 16 people, including one of the alleged gunmen. The victims, who are yet to be formally identified, reportedly range in age from 10 to 87. A 10-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man were among those who succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The attack also left 40 people injured and requiring hospital treatment across Sydney, including four children and two police officers. Several individuals remain in critical condition, with authorities warning the death toll may still rise.
The Alleged Attackers
The police have identified the alleged gunmen as a father and son duo: a 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram (deceased), and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, both from Sydney’s south-west. The older man, Sajid Akram, was shot dead at the scene by responding police officers. The younger man, Naveed Akram, was apprehended and taken to the hospital with critical injuries, where he remains under police guard. Authorities confirmed the older man had held a valid Category AB firearm licence, and the weapons seized—three long-arm firearms, believed to include a rifle and shotgun—were legally obtained.
The Ongoing Investigation
The NSW JCTT, which includes members from the NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police, and ASIO, is leading the investigation under Operation Arques. The primary focus is to establish the motive and any underlying ideologies that drove the “pure act of evil,” as described by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Crucially, police located and seized improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in a car linked to the deceased offender near the scene, though they were rendered safe without detonating. A raid was also conducted on the family’s residence in Sydney’s south-west, yielding additional weapons and evidence. While one of the attackers was known to security services, it was reportedly not from an “immediate threat perspective.” The investigation continues to examine all evidence to determine if a third person was involved, though police are not currently looking for additional suspects beyond the father and son.
In the wake of the attack, which occurred during the first night of Hanukkah, the Premier of NSW, Chris Minns, has indicated that the state government is already considering law reform surrounding gun control. Police have also increased their presence around Jewish places of worship and community areas. The swift, professional response by emergency services, including two wounded officers, has been praised, though some witnesses have raised questions regarding the initial response time. A bystander was also hailed as a hero for disarming one of the attackers before police engagement.
The incident is a devastating reminder of the threat of targeted violence and has prompted a national outpouring of grief and solidarity for the victims and the Jewish community.
Footage Charlie Kirk has been shot
Charlie Kirk has been shot
