16 Killed in Bondi Beach Terror Attack During Jewish Festival Celebration in Sydney

At least 16 people were killed and around 40 others wounded in a terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday evening, Australian authorities confirmed. The incident, declared a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community , sent shockwaves through the nation and drew international condemnation.

The shooting occurred at about 6:45 p.m. local time near Campbell Parade as hundreds gathered for “ Chanukah by the Sea ,” an event marking the start of the Jewish festival of lights. Witnesses reported hearing bursts of gunfire and seeing people flee in panic.

Two gunmen opened fire on the crowded area. One of the attackers, a 50-year-old man , was shot and killed by police at the scene. The second suspect, identified by law enforcement as Naveed Akram , a 24-year-old man from Sydney’s Bonnyrigg, was critically injured and remains under police guard in hospital. Authorities have formally identified the incident as terrorism and are investigating possible further suspects.

Amid the chaos, a passerby courageously intervened , tackling and disarming one of the gunmen. The man, widely reported by Australian media as Ahmed El Ahmed , a 43-year-old fruit seller, wrestled the weapon away and prevented further bloodshed before being wounded in the process. His actions have been widely praised in Australia and internationally.

Police confirmed that among the dead were civilians from diverse backgrounds, including children, and at least two police officers are among the injured being treated in hospital. Of the wounded, several remain in serious conditions.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the “ evil and antisemitic ” attack, calling it a deliberate assault on Australia’s multicultural society. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns declared that such violence “has no place in our state,” while urging calm and unity.

Jewish community leaders described the attack as a profound shock, marking what officials say is Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly 30 years , and the most lethal terror incident since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too strongly condemned the ghastly terrorist attack and extended sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and said India stands in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief. Mr. Modi reiterated that India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and supports the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism.