Australian authorities have officially declared the mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday, December 14, 2025, a terrorist incident. The attack, which targeted a Jewish community event, has led to an increase in the confirmed casualty toll and triggered a massive, complex security operation.
Casualty Update and Assailant Identification
New South Wales (NSW) Police confirmed the complexity of the large-scale operation while officials released new figures and a preliminary identification of one of the shooters.
* Death Toll: Officials have confirmed 10 people dead, including nine victims and one of the attackers. Initial figures suggest the final toll may be between 10 and 12 fatalities.
* Injured: A total of 18 people were transported to hospitals with gunshot injuries, including two police officers. The second alleged gunman remains in police custody in critical condition.
* Assailant Named: Australian media, citing security sources, reported the identification of one of the assailants as Naveed Akram. Authorities have not publicly confirmed his identity or motive, but witnesses claimed the shooters shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the attack.
* Rabbi Killed: The Chabad delegation confirmed that Rabbi Eli Shlanger, head of the delegation, was killed in the attack.
* Ongoing Investigation: The investigation remains in its early stages, with specialist teams examining a suspected pipe bomb found inside a vehicle near the scene.
Security Response and International Reaction
The attack has prompted a swift security response in Australia and escalating reactions internationally.
* Increased Security: The Prime Minister of NSW stated that protecting Australia’s Jewish community is a national responsibility. Law enforcement has increased security around Jewish sites across Sydney and other major Australian cities ahead of the week-long Hanukkah celebrations.
* Government Condemnation: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the attack “shocking and distressing” and is attending a meeting of the National Security Committee of Federal Cabinet. The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) also issued a statement condemning the shooting, urging Australians to “stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity”.
* Iran Involvement Claim: Israeli security sources are reportedly examining the possibility of Iranian involvement in the attack, a claim that remains unverified by Australian officials. Australia has previously attributed two prior anti-Semitic attacks to Iranian direction.
* Global Security Measures: In response to the attack and heightened concerns ahead of Hanukkah, London’s mayor announced an increased police presence around Jewish communities and event sites in the UK.
Footage Charlie Kirk has been shot
Charlie Kirk has been shot
