As a result of the incident that occurred during the Jewish holiday, a 50-year-old suspect was shot dead by police at the scene, while his 24-year-old son was hospitalized in critical condition. According to local media, the attackers were Sajid and Navid Akram, although the police have not yet confirmed their names. Witnesses reported that the shooting lasted approximately 10 minutes, during which hundreds of people were on the beach, and around a thousand were participating in the celebration in the nearby park.
Among the injured, more than 40 people were affected, including two police officers who are in serious but stable condition. The ages of the victims range from 10 to 87 years.
During the attack, one of the attackers was neutralized by a passerby, 43-year-old vegetable shop owner Ahmed al-Ahmed, who sustained two gunshot wounds and underwent surgery. American billionaire Bill Ackman donated nearly $100,000 for his treatment, while the total fundraising in his support exceeded $493,751.
According to police information, the older of the attackers had a gun license since 2015 and owned six registered firearms. Judging by the video recordings from the scene, both a rifle and a shotgun were used. Australia's Minister of Home Affairs Tony Burke stated that the father arrived in the country in 1998 on a student visa, while his son was born in Australia and held citizenship.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted that the police are treating this incident as a targeted attack on the Jewish community. He also added that condolences were expressed by U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron.
This attack on Bondi Beach has become the deadliest in Australia since 1996, when 35 people were killed in the Port Arthur incident.
In response to the tragedy, authorities have increased security at events held by Jewish communities.
