Australia is in mourning after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney left at least 16 people dead and dozens more injured, in one of the deadliest attacks the country has seen in recent years. The tragedy has deeply shocked Australians and the international community alike, and has inevitably raised questions among travellers about safety in one of the world’s most visited destinations.
Authorities have confirmed that the attack has been declared a terrorist incident. While the event has caused profound grief and distress, officials continue to stress that it was targeted, that there is no ongoing threat to the wider public, and that Australia remains open and safe for visitors.
What we know so far
The shooting took place on Sunday evening at around 6:47 pm local time at Archer Park, Bondi Beach, during a public event marking the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. More than 1,000 people were gathered at the time, many of them families.
According to New South Wales police, at least 16 people were killed, including a 10 year old girl. The victims range in age from 10 to 87. Around 40 others remain in hospital, including three children. Five people are in a critical condition, with others listed as serious or stable.
Police said their figures include the two suspected attackers. One gunman was shot and killed at the scene, while the second suspect is in custody in a critical condition.
Only one victim has so far been formally identified. The family of British born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, have paid tribute to him. Israel’s foreign ministry has also confirmed that an Israeli citizen was among those killed.
🚨 Fresh Bondi Beach footage is disturbing.
— Nikkhil (@nikkhilbk) December 14, 2025
What hits hardest is even the dog has no clue what’s happening. Families, kids, pets… all frozen in fear.
Purely disturbing.#SydneyAttack #BondiBeach #Bondi #Australia pic.twitter.com/k0GlOgQqjp
How the attack unfolded
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said two individuals opened fire on a “crowded group of families” in what he described as a “cowardly act of terrifying violence”. Video footage circulating online appears to show two gunmen firing from a small bridge overlooking the beach, as crowds ran for safety across the sand.
In another video, a bystander can be seen tackling one of the attackers and wresting a rifle away. The man, later identified by media as Ahmed al Ahmed, 43, was shot twice during the incident. He is seen pointing the weapon at the attacker, who then fled towards his accomplice.
Twitter has changed the ❤️ Like button to salute one of Australia’s bravest heroes — the real Australia Superman 🇦🇺🦸♂️
— 🇮🇳 Er. Rakesh Tiwari (@Rakeshtiwari__7) December 14, 2025
Tap to check it out.#Bondi #BondiBeach #BondiAttack pic.twitter.com/mrY0Xhn3ew
Emergency services responded rapidly, securing the area and establishing an exclusion zone while specialist officers examined a number of suspicious items found nearby. A police bomb disposal unit was also deployed to investigate a suspected improvised explosive device discovered in one of the suspects’ vehicles.
Who are the suspects?
Police have identified one suspected gunman as 24 year old Naveed Akram, who was critically injured during the attack and remains in custody. His driver’s licence lists his address as Bonnyrigg, a suburb in western Sydney. Police have since raided a property linked to him in that area.
The second suspected attacker, who died at the scene, is Sajid Akram (about 50 years old) father of Naveed.
Official response and international reaction
Australian leaders have strongly condemned the attack. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described it as a “devastating” act of terrorism that struck at the heart of the nation, while Premier Chris Minns called it a “horrifying evil attack”.
International reactions have been swift. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was “shocked” by the shooting. “Europe stands with Australia and Jewish communities everywhere. We are united against violence, antisemitism and hatred,” she wrote on X. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas added that “this appalling act of violence against the Jewish community must be unequivocally condemned”.
King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were “appalled and saddened”, while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the shooting as “sickening”. US President Donald Trump called the attack “terrible” and “antisemitic”, and praised the bravery of the bystander who confronted one of the gunmen.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the killings as “cold blooded murder” and linked the attack to what he said was a rise in antisemitism in Australia. His comments come amid broader international debate about antisemitism, free speech and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Australian authorities have reiterated that the investigation is ongoing and have urged against speculation while motives are formally established.
What does this mean for travellers?
For visitors, Australian authorities are clear that there is no broader threat to tourists or the general public. Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most famous landmarks, was reopened after police operations concluded, and the city’s transport, hotels and attractions continue to operate normally.
Australia remains widely regarded as a safe destination, with low levels of violent crime and strong policing. High profile attacks of this nature are extremely rare, which is why the Bondi Beach tragedy has resonated so deeply across the country.
Travellers currently in Australia or planning a visit are advised to stay informed through local news and official channels, to respect any guidance from authorities, and to remain attentive in large public spaces, as they would in any major global city.
