Bondi Beach Massacre: Pakistani Father-Son Gunmen Kill 16 in Deadly Attack During Jewish Festival

Sydney authorities have confirmed that the two gunmen behind the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach were a father and son, an attack that has left Australia shaken and grieving. The incident, which unfolded during a Jewish community gathering on Sunday evening, is being described as the country’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly 30 years.

New South Wales Police said the attackers have been identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram. Police shot Sajid Akram dead at the scene, while Naveed Akram was wounded and is currently hospitalised under police custody. Investigators said both were Pakistani nationals, and confirmed that one of them had previously come to the attention of security agencies, though there was no specific warning of an imminent attack.

The violence erupted around 6:45 pm when Bondi Beach was crowded with locals and tourists enjoying the weekend. Nearby, around 1,000 people had gathered for “Chanukah by the Sea,” an event marking the start of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. What began as a festive evening quickly descended into panic as gunfire echoed for several minutes.

Eyewitnesses recounted terrifying scenes of people running across the sand and into surrounding streets to escape the shooting. Videos circulating online show two men in dark clothing firing long guns from an elevated walkway leading toward the beach. Amid the chaos, one civilian confronted an attacker, managing to overpower and disarm him. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns later praised the man, identified as local shopkeeper Ahmed al Ahmed, calling his actions heroic and crediting him with saving lives.

Authorities confirmed that at least 16 people were killed in the attack, with victims ranging in age from a 10-year-old child to an 87-year-old senior citizen. More than 40 others were taken to hospitals, several in critical condition. Emergency services responded within minutes, deploying large numbers of ambulances, police units and specialist teams.

The attack has sparked nationwide outrage and mourning, with political leaders and community groups calling for unity and a thorough investigation. As Sydney comes to terms with the tragedy, authorities say the focus remains on supporting victims, ensuring public safety and uncovering the full motive behind the shocking act of violence.