New South Wales premier Chris Minns has defended the police’s response to Sunday’s Bondi Beach attack, rejecting claims that officers failed in their duty and calling such criticism disrespectful to those who risked their lives.
At least 15 people were killed in the antisemitic terrorist attack at an event called Chanukah by the Sea on Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
Police “acted with bravery and integrity,” he said, adding that two officers injured by the gunmen “weren’t shot in the back as they were running away. They were shot in the front.”
Officials confirmed that home-made Isis flags were found alongside explosives in a car belonging to one of the attackers.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese said the attack appeared to have been driven by extremist beliefs. “It would appear that this was motivated by Islamic State ideology,” Albanese told ABC Sydney.
One of the gunmen had previously been investigated over links to a Sydney-based Isis terrorist cell, he said.
Naveed Akram, 24, had been investigated for six months in 2019 by ASIO, the country’s domestic intelligence agency, according to ABC. It found no evidence that he had planned or considered planning any act of violence.
Everything we know about Bondi Beach shooting suspects Naveed and Sajid Akram
‘My son is a hero’: Father praises man who stopped gunman in Bondi Beach terror attack
Australia has a reputation for strict gun laws. How did the Bondi Beach shooting happen?
Starmer calls for police crackdown on antisemitic chants at pro-Palestine marches
Key Points
- Bondi beach attack motivated by Isis ideology, Albanese says
- Australian PM Albanese promises gun law reform after 15 killed in shooting
- Gunmen travelled to the Philippines last month, police commissioner says
- Attackers father and son, police say
- Watch: Moment Bondi Beach hero bystander tackles alleged gunman after mass shooting
- Australian cabinet vows united push against antisemitism and terrorism
Man who tackled one of the gunmen ‘true Australian hero’, PM says
05:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarPrime pinister Anthony Albanese praised Ahmed al Ahmed as a “true Australian hero” after visiting him in hospital.
He said that Ahmed al Ahmed “represents the best of our country”.
“He’s very humble. He went through his thought processes as he saw the atrocities unfold. He had gone to Bondi with friends and relatives.
“He was trying to get a cup of coffee, simple as that, and found himself at a moment where people were being shot in front of him. He decided to take action, and his bravery is an inspiration for all Australians.”
The PM added: “Tomorrow he will undergo further surgery.
“His mother and father are here visiting him from Syria, and I was able to meet them as well.
“They’re very proud parents. He, at a moment where we have seen evil perpetrated, he shines out as an example of the strength of humanity.”
Philippines investigating Bonci Beach attackers recent trip to the country
04:40 , Maroosha MuzaffarPhilippine authorities are investigating the recent trip made by the two alleged Bondi gunmen, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed, to the country ahead of the shooting, according to a defence ministry spokesman.
The inquiry follows confirmation from NSW police that the pair travelled to the Philippines in the month before the attack.
Gunmen travelled to the Philippines last month, police commissioner says
04:20 , Maroosha MuzaffarPolice Commissioner Mal Lanyon has confirmed that the two men accused of carrying out the Bondi Beach shooting had recently travelled to the Philippines.
He said authorities were still examining the purpose of the trip and their movements while overseas.
Earlier, ABC News reported, citing security sources, that the pair – Sajid and Naveed Akram – may have travelled to the Philippines to undertake “military-style training” in the month leading up to the attack.
“The reasons why they went, the purpose and where they went while they were there, is under investigation at the moment,” Lanyon said.
“I also confirmed that the vehicle, which is registered to the younger male, contained IEDs, but I also confirm … that it contained two homemade Isis flags.”
Everything we know about the Bondi Beach victims
04:00 , Harriette BoucherAt least 15 people were killed including a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi and a Holocaust survivor after a father and son opened fire during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
A total of 14 people were shot dead at the scene and a 40-year-old man died later in hospital.
10-year-old, Holocaust survivor and rabbis among 15 victims of Bondi Beach shooting
Watch: Bondi Beach attack not an isolated incident, warns Keir Starmer
03:40 , Harriette BoucherChris Minns defends police response to the attack
03:23 , Maroosha MuzaffarNSW premier Chris Minns defended the police response to the attack, rejecting claims that officers failed in their duty and calling such criticism disrespectful to those who risked their lives.
He, however, acknowledged that mistakes could be reconsidered in hindsight but said the focus now must be on improving future security and rebuilding trust, particularly with the Jewish community.
“The New South Wales police acted with bravery and integrity. They engaged the gunmen on the footbridge with handguns. They didn’t take a backward step.
“The offenders had long-range rifles and New South Wales police officers were responsible for killing one of them and shooting the other one and as a result saving many people’s lives.
“There are two officers in critical care in New South Wales hospitals at the moment. They weren’t shot in the back as they were running away. They were shot in the front.
“I’m sorry to be graphic about it, but if there is any suggestion that New South Wales police didn’t live up to their responsibilities to the people of this state, it should be rejected because it is not consistent with the facts.”
Bondi beach attack motivated by Isis ideology, Albanese says
02:54 , Maroosha MuzaffarAustralian prime minister Anthony Albanese has said the fatal shooting at Bondi Beach appears to have been driven by extremist beliefs.
“It would appear that this was motivated by Islamic State ideology,” he told ABC Sydney.
He continued: “The ideology that has been around for more than a decade that led to this ideology of hate, and in this case, a preparedness to engage in mass murder.”
He said the attack was “meticulous, calculated, cold-blooded”.
British Transport Police to increase patrols in wake of Bondi Beach attack
02:00 , Harriette BoucherBritish Transport Police will increase the number of officers on the network over the coming days and weeks following the Bondi Beach attack.
Assistant chief constable Sean O'Callaghan said: "Horrific events like this impact communities here in Great Britain, and we recognise the concerns that many people will be feeling, especially in our Jewish communities and in light of the terror attack on the Synagogue in Manchester in October.”
The force said it was “dedicated to keeping the public safe and providing reassurance to everyone travelling.”
"With events taking place across the country during the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, many of our patrols will be targeted to these locations, as well as in areas where Jewish communities live and work.
"We urge passengers to remain vigilant and not to hesitate to speak to our officers when you see them about across the network. They are there to keep you safe, but please don't forget we need your help too.”
In pictures: Flowers laid at the scene of mass shooting
00:59 , Harriette Boucher
Jewish people fear they could be attacked again in UK, says Campaign Against Antisemitism chief executive
00:02 , Harriette BoucherThe chief executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism told a London vigil for the Bondi Beach victims that Jewish people fear they could be attacked again in the UK.
Gideon Falter was speaking at a memorial event and Hanukkah celebration on Monday night for those killed in the Bondi Beach terror attack.
He said: "Celebrating Hanukkah is just an act of celebration, but tonight it feels like an act of defiance.
"Unfortunately, Jews have been warning about the dangers of extremism and radicalism running amok in our country for years and time has run out.
"It is time not for thoughts and prayers or words of solidarity, but action from our politicians, action from our Government.”
‘I went down to save lives’: Hero fruit seller who tackled gunman thought he was going to die
Monday 15 December 2025 23:30 , Harriette BoucherA fruit shop owner who tackled one of the Bondi Beach gunmen told his cousin to tell his family he “went down to save people’s lives” before he stepped in to act.
Ahmed al-Ahmed, a father-of-two from Sydney, was seen tackling one of the gunmen before wrestling his weapon away from him during an antisemitic terrorist attack at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration in Sydney on Sunday.
Video footage of Mr Ahmed intervening circulated widely on social media following the attack.
He was at the beach with his cousin Jozay Alkanj, who told the Sydney Morning Herald that Mr Ahmed asked him to pass a message to his family before he acted.
Mr Alkanj said Mr Ahmed told him: “I’m going to die – please see my family [and tell them] that I went down to save people’s lives.”
‘I went down to save lives’: Hero who tackled gunman thought he was going to die
Relative of murdered Rabbi says 'root causes' of antisemitic violence must be confronted
Monday 15 December 2025 23:00 , Harriette BoucherTory shadow attorney general Lord Wolfson, a relative of British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was killed in the Bondi Beach shooting, has stressed the need to tackle extremism driving violence.
Speaking in Parliament, Lord Wolfson said the debate on Jewish security must move away from being about higher walls around synagogues and more guards outside schools and focus on the root causes of antisemitic violence.
Referring to a charity which provides protection for Jewish communities in the UK, the Conservative peer said: "While we are always grateful for support for the Community Security Trust, the debate about Jewish security needs to move away from being about higher walls around our synagogues and more guards outside our schools, and on to the root causes of why we actually need such security.
"So will the minister explain what the Government is actually doing, in practical terms, to counter the extremist ideologies which are driving this antisemitic violence, and to remove them and their proponents from our social media, out of our universities and off our streets?"
Australia has a reputation for strict gun laws. How did the Bondi Beach shooting happen?
Monday 15 December 2025 22:31 , Harriette BoucherThe shooting at Bondi Beach has sparked intense debate in Australia about the state of the country’s gun control laws.
On the first day of Hanukkah, at least 15 people were killed by a father and son who allegedly targeted a Jewish gathering at Bondi Beach on Sunday.
In response, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese held an emergency national cabinet meeting to discuss whether gun laws need to be changed.
After the meeting, all states and territories have agreed to strengthen gun laws. Ideas for reform include limiting how many guns one person can own, the types of guns deemed legal and making Australian citizenship a condition of holding a licence.
There will also be consideration of restrictions on the importation of guns, including 3D-printed weapons.
Australia has a reputation for strict gun laws. How did Bondi Beach shooting happen?
Watch: Labour minister Ashley Dalton heckled at Bondi Beach vigil
Monday 15 December 2025 22:01 , Harriette BoucherLabour MP Ashley Dalton was heckled at a memorial event and Hanukkah celebration for those killed in the Bondi Beach terror attack, as she told the crowd she was "standing with the Jewish people".
She said: "We are here to stand together against the hatred and vitriol from wherever it comes. The Government does not and will not tolerate antisemitism."
But the West Lancashire was interrupted by the crowd, with calls to "stop the marches” and "we want action not words".
She was able to continue speaking after a rabbi stepped onto the stage and called for the listeners to be "ambassadors of light" and allow her to speak.
Bondi attack ‘cruelly marred’ first day of Hannukah, says Swinney
Monday 15 December 2025 21:31 , Harriette BoucherThe attack on a Jewish community in Australia was an “unspeakable act of hatred and violence” which “cruelly marred” the first day of Hannukah, John Swinney has said.
The attack has caused concern in Jewish communities across the world, but First Minister John Swinney has said the Government is engaging with police to ensure the safety of Jews in Scotland.
“I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific terror attack that happened at Bondi Beach, on the first night of Chanukah,” the First Minister said in a statement on Monday.
“What should have been a celebration of light and hope was cruelly marred by an unspeakable act of hatred and violence.
“I know that the Jewish community here in Scotland will be facing unimaginable grief and anxiety in the wake of this senseless attack.”
Bondi attack ‘cruelly marred’ first day of Hannukah, says Swinney
British Transport Police to increase patrols in wake of Bondi Beach attack
Monday 15 December 2025 21:01 , Harriette BoucherBritish Transport Police will increase the number of officers on the network over the coming days and weeks following the Bondi Beach attack.
Assistant chief constable Sean O'Callaghan said: "Horrific events like this impact communities here in Great Britain, and we recognise the concerns that many people will be feeling, especially in our Jewish communities and in light of the terror attack on the Synagogue in Manchester in October.”
The force said it was “dedicated to keeping the public safe and providing reassurance to everyone travelling.”
"With events taking place across the country during the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, many of our patrols will be targeted to these locations, as well as in areas where Jewish communities live and work.
"We urge passengers to remain vigilant and not to hesitate to speak to our officers when you see them about across the network. They are there to keep you safe, but please don't forget we need your help too.”
Watch: Moment Bondi Beach hero bystander tackles alleged gunman after mass shooting
Monday 15 December 2025 20:30 , Maira ButtOver $1.7m (£840,000) has been raised for Ahmed al Ahmed after he tackled a gunman who opened fire on a crowd of Jewish people in an antisemitic terror attack.
Cricketer Michael Vaughan 'locked away' in pub 300 yards from attack
Monday 15 December 2025 20:00 , Maira ButtFormer England captain and cricketer Michael Vaughan has recounted the “surreal” experience of being 300 yards from the Bondi attacks that killed 15 people, including a 10-year-old child.
“Yesterday was a surreal day that I don't really want to go through again,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I'm deeply saddened by everything that has gone on.
“To be 300 yards away, in a pub locked away, scary times.
“I look at Bondi and Sydney in particular - it's like my second home. Australia is an amazing country, and it's probably one of the countries in the whole world where I always say it's the safest. It's the safest place.”
In pictures: People attend a Campaign Against Antisemitism and Chabad UK event in Westminster to mark Chanukah and honour victims of Sunday's terrorist attack
Monday 15 December 2025 19:21 , Harriette Boucher
Everything we know about the Bondi Beach victims
Monday 15 December 2025 19:00 , Maira ButtAt least 15 people were killed including a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi and a Holocaust survivor after a father and son opened fire during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
Shweta Sharma reports:
10-year-old, Holocaust survivor and rabbis among 15 victims of Bondi Beach shooting
Comment: The Bondi Beach shootings mark a grim new chapter in the history of Jew-hatred
Monday 15 December 2025 18:30 , Maira ButtThe images of two gunmen on a bridge at Bondi Beach, shooting into a crowd of innocent men, women and children who had gathered to celebrate Hannukah, are among the most horrific and haunting of modern times. They force an unavoidable question: how could this happen in a civilised society?
The answer lies in understanding the nature of antisemitism – and the way it has mutated since the ultimate crime of the Holocaust.
The Bondi Beach shootings mark a grim new chapter in the history of Jew-hatred
'Increased police presence' in Westminster ahead of memorial honouring Bondi Beach victims
Monday 15 December 2025 18:00 , Harriette BoucherA memorial event in London honouring those killed and injured at Bondi Beach will have an "increased police presence", the Metropolitan Police said.
The event, organised by the Campaign Against Antisemitism and Chabad Lubavitch UK, is set to take place outside Parliament on Monday evening.
In a post on X, the force said: "We recognise the extent to which that attack will have further increased fear and concern among Jewish Londoners.
"In addition to increasing patrols in communities, we are working with partners, including the Community Security Trust, to ensure that Hanukkah events and other gatherings are protected."
The force urged anyone attending who feels uncertain or sees or hears something suspicious to speak to an officer.
Starmer calls for police crackdown on antisemitic chants at pro-Palestine marches
Monday 15 December 2025 17:24 , Maira ButtSir Keir Starmer has called for a police crackdown on antisemitic chanting at demonstrations, including pro-Palestine marches, saying the government “won’t tolerate” it.
The prime minister’s official spokesperson said that while “free speech is an important right in this country, that can't extend inciting hatred or harassing others”, saying the police will use their powers “more robustly” to tackle the proliferation of antisemitism.
It comes after two gunmen attacked a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Australia on Sunday, killing 15 people and injuring a further 27.
Comment: After Bondi, don’t hunt for an ‘enemy within’ – honour the hero who stood up
Monday 15 December 2025 16:54 , Maira ButtThe murderous attacks on Jewish people on Bondi Beach represent antisemitism in its purest form. As far as can be gathered, the two terrorists could probably be fairly called “Islamist”, as they targeted innocent Jews because they were Jews.
Sean O’Grady writes:
After Bondi, don’t hunt for an ‘enemy within’ – honour the hero who stood up
Watch: Bondi Beach attack not an isolated incident, warns Keir Starmer
Monday 15 December 2025 16:34 , Maira ButtEverything we know about Bondi Beach shooting suspects Naveed and Sajid Akram
Monday 15 December 2025 16:10 , Maira ButtA father and son have sent shockwaves across the world after they allegedly targeted Jewish people at Bondi Beach as they celebrated Hanukkah.
Gunmen opened fire on an event called Chanukah by the Sea in Sydney on Sunday evening, killing 15 people including a 10-year-old girl.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) said on Sunday it was investigating whether there was any further threat to Jewish Australians after the mass shooting.
The suspected gunmen have named in local media as Sajid and Naveed Akram. Here is everything we know so far about the pair.
Everything we know about Bondi Beach shooting suspects Naveed and Sajid Akram
Australia has a reputation for strict gun laws. How did the Bondi Beach shooting happen?
Monday 15 December 2025 15:50 , Maira ButtThe shooting at Bondi Beach has sparked intense debate in Australia about the state of the country’s gun control laws.
On the first day of Hanukkah, at least 15 people were killed by a father and son who allegedly targeted a Jewish gathering at Bondi Beach on Sunday.
In response, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held an emergency national cabinet meeting to discuss whether gun laws need to be changed.
After the meeting, all states and territories have agreed to strengthen gun laws. Ideas for reform include limiting how many guns one person can own, the types of guns deemed legal and making Australian citizenship a condition of holding a licence.
Olivia Ireland reports:
Australia has a reputation for strict gun laws. How did Bondi Beach shooting happen?
A “bright, joyful and spirited” 10-year-old girl, a British-born father of five and a Holocaust survivor from Ukraine are among the 15 victims killed in the terror attack on Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday.
A total of 14 people were shot dead at the scene and a 40-year-old man died later in hospital after two gunmen opened fire on hundreds of people celebrating a Jewish festival at the seaside.
Harmony Russian School in Sydney, where she studied, said it was “deeply saddened” to confirm that a former pupil had died in hospital from gunshot injuries.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends and everyone affected by this tragic event. During this difficult time, our school community stands together in mourning and remembrance,” the school said.
Recap: Everything we know after 15 killed in Australia terror attack
Monday 15 December 2025 15:10 , Maira ButtFifteen people have been killed in a terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach after two gunmen opened fire on a crowd celebrating the start of Hanukkah.
A 10-year-old girl is among those dead after the attack on more than 1,000 people attending a Jewish festival near the iconic beach at 6.47pm on Sunday.
One gunman, aged 50, was shot by police and died at the scene, while a second attacker, 24, was taken to hospital in critical condition. Police said the gunmen were father and son.
At least 40 people are receiving treatment in hospital, including three other children.
How gunmen killed 15 on Bondi Beach in Australia’s worst shooting in three decades
Watch: Bondi beach attack witness says he 'stomped' on shooter's head
Monday 15 December 2025 14:47 , Maira ButtWe won't tolerate antisemitism at demonstrations, PM Starmer says
Monday 15 December 2025 14:27 , Maira ButtSir Keir Starmer has said the government will not tolerate antisemitism at marches in Britain, saying he expects the police to use their powers “more robustly” in response to hate incidents.
The prime minister's spokesperson told reporters: “We've seen anti semitic incidents proliferate at these marches, and we won't tolerate that.
“And as the prime minister has said recently, in addition to the police using their existing powers more robustly, the home secretary is also looking at the cumulative effect of marches and protests and that includes looking at marches that happen in the same place every time, where they happen repeatedly, and the distress and effect that that has on parts of our community, such as Jewish people living in the UK.
“Clearly the police also have existing powers and we expect them to use more.”
'My son is a hero'- Father praises man who stopped gunman in Bondi Beach shooting
Monday 15 December 2025 14:05 , Maira ButtUK Chief Rabbi says cousin hid for 'terrifying' 15 minutes
Monday 15 December 2025 13:46 , Maira ButtUK chief rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has shared the “terrifying” ordeal his family went through as they hid from the Bondi attacks shooters.
The rabbi said his cousin and cousin’s wife “spent 15 terrifying minutes hiding under a doughnut stand” as the father and son opened fire.
“People to their right and left were being shot dead,” he said.
He said that the incident highlighted that the causes of “toxic antisemitism” must be addressed.
Pope Leo: 'Enough with antisemitic violence'
Monday 15 December 2025 13:26 , Maira ButtPope Leo XIV has shared his condolences with the Jewish community and called on the world to “eliminate hatred”.
In a statement, he said he wished to “entrust to the Lord the victims of the terrorist massacre carried out yesterday in Sydney against the Jewish community”.
He added: “Enough with this antisemitic violence! Let us eliminate hatred from our hearts”
The Christian leader asked for prayers for people who had suffered from war or violence.
