Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney kills 16, father-son gunmen linked to IS identified
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Summary: Father and son gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah festival on Bondi Beach, killing 16.
A tragic incident took place in Sydney's Bondi Beach, where a father and son duo opened fire at a group of people gathered for a Hanukkah celebration, and Australia is still recovering from the mass shooting. The assault resulted in 16 deaths and left many others injured, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the country in years.
The incident occurred on the night of December 14, 2025, during a "Chanukah by the Sea" celebration that was attended by around 1,000 individuals on the sandy beaches of Bondi. Witnesses recounted scenes of panic as masses fled after shots were fired.
Police later confirmed the two suspected attackers were a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son. The father was killed by police at the scene after exchanging gunfire, and the son was critically wounded and taken to the hospital under guard. Both have been linked by investigators to extremist motives, and two Islamic State (IS) flags were found in their vehicle, pointing to possible ideological inspiration for the attack.
The horrific gunfire continued for several minutes, sending beachgoers and families fleeing for safety. People were in terror, and police responded quickly to subdue the attackers, according to video footage released online. Emergency teams treated dozens of wounded, including children and elderly victims.
Australian authorities swiftly treated the incident as a terrorist act, saying it was deliberately aimed at the Jewish community gathered for the festival. For a country like Australia, where strict laws are in effect, this created a nationwide worry and debate on security, radicalism, and gun laws.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the crime as "pure evil" and promised help to the victims' families, while officials are investigating the history and goal of the attackers. World leaders, such as President Donald Trump, denounced the violence and shared their sympathies.
In the immediate aftermath, a civilian bystander who tackled one of the shooters has been hailed a hero for helping to disrupt the attack and save lives. Police also found improvised explosive devices in the gunmen’s car, though they were not used.
The tragedy has cast a long shadow over Sydney and beyond, and investigations are ongoing as authorities work to piece together how the attack was planned and whether any broader network was involved.
