Bondi Beach Terror Attack: 12 Dead Including Gunman, 29 Injured – What We Know So Far | world news

A horrific shooting took place at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday, claiming the lives of 12 people, including the gunman, during celebrations marking the start of Hanukkah.”

The attack occurred close to the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration, where Sydney’s Jewish community had assembled to mark the opening night of the festival. Videos that surfaced afterward appeared to show at least two men in dark clothing opening fire with what looked like rifles from a pedestrian overpass linking Campbell Parade to the Bondi Pavilion.

What Is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is an eight-day festival of lights in Judaism, celebrated to commemorate the Maccabees’ victory over their oppressors and the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days in the Temple. The attack occurred close to the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration, where Sydney’s Jewish community had assembled to mark the opening night of the festival.

Victim Identified: Rabbi Eli Schlanger

One of the victims, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, served as an assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. He is remembered as a devoted husband and father, actively involved in the local Jewish community, and leaves behind a wife and four children.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was murdered today by terrorists while celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach in Sydney, leaves behind a wife and four children. I’m heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/pr86xTPmQn Vivid. (@VividProwess) December 14, 2025

Police Response and Suspects

Police shot one of the attackers at the scene, while the other was apprehended and remains in critical condition. Australian media reports identify one of the suspected gunmen as Naveed Akram, a 24-year-old Sydney-based bricklayer of Pakistani origin who had recently lost his job.

Naveed Akram is the one who was disarmed form the back but then went on to take more shots after running away pic.twitter.com/Tl3GxqJXQT — Marina Medvin (@MarinaMedvin) December 14, 2025

ALSO READ | Who Is Naveed Akram? Pakistani-Origin Student Allegedly Linked To Sydney Bondi Beach Terror Shooting

Civilian Hero: Ahmed Al Ahmed

A civilian courageously confronted one of the attackers. Ahmed Al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner and father of two, wrestled a rifle away from a gunman despite having no prior experience with firearms. He was shot twice in the arm but is currently in stable condition and expected to undergo surgery.

for the Muslim hero that disarmed one of the terrorists in Australia his name is Ahmed Al Ahmed. He is 43 years old, a fruit shop owner and a father of two.Ahmad himself was shot twice during the attack, but he is in a stable condition, he is expected to undergo surgery.… pic.twitter.com/qGsaSrCZGC — Love Majewski (@lovemajewski1) December 14, 2025

PM Modi Condemns Bondi Beach Terror Attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the ghastly terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Australia and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.

ALSO READ | Bondi Beach Terror Attack: PM Modi Extends Condolences, One Attacker Identified