What began as a calm Sunday evening along one of Australia’s most loved beaches quickly spiralled into a nightmare that has shaken the country.
Bondi Beach, usually filled with laughter, families and tourists, became the scene of one of the deadliest attacks in Australian history.
Overnight, the confirmed death toll climbed to 16, including a child, turning a day of celebration into one of deep mourning.
A targeted attack during a religious celebration
Authorities believe the violence was aimed at members of the Jewish community who had gathered nearby to celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.
Families, locals and holidaymakers had come together for the “Chanukah by the Sea” event, a family-focused gathering marking the first day of the eight-day festival. Instead of joy and unity, the evening was shattered by gunfire.
What police have confirmed so far
By Sunday night, officials confirmed 12 deaths.
That number rose to 16 by Monday morning, according to NSW Health Minister Ryan Park.
Among the victims was a child who later died at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick.
Four other children were also transferred there for treatment.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said at least 29 people were injured in the attack.
One of the two gunmen was shot dead at the scene, while the second was taken to hospital under police guard.
National leaders respond with condemnation and unity
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation after an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee. His message was firm and emotional.
“There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation,” he said.
“We will eradicate it.”
He also spoke directly to Australia’s Jewish community, promising solidarity and protection, while confirming security agencies were working urgently to identify anyone linked to the attack.
Questions emerge despite praise for first responders
While political leaders and officials across the country praised police, paramedics and emergency workers, some witnesses raised serious concerns about the speed and preparedness of the response.
These questions have been sharpened by memories of the recent Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing attack.
Australia’s domestic intelligence agency, ASIO, later confirmed that one of the shooters had been known to them, though not considered an immediate threat at the time.
“We obviously need to look into what happened,” ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said.
How the shooting unfolded step by step
Two gunmen arrived at Campbell Parade near Bondi Beach and exited their vehicle, which witnesses say had a black ISIS-style flag draped across its hood.
Video footage shows them walking toward a pedestrian footbridge before opening fire toward Archer Park, close to where the Hanukkah event was taking place.
Panic spreads as beachgoers flee
People on the beach described hearing loud bangs before realising they were under attack.
Injured people were seen bleeding as crowds scrambled to escape.
Panic spread quickly, with hundreds running off the sand and into surrounding streets.
By 6:47pm, dozens of police cars and ambulances were racing toward Bondi.
Social media lit up as worried friends and families tried to check on loved ones.
At 7:05pm, NSW Police issued an urgent shelter warning, telling residents to stay indoors and others to avoid the area entirely.
A civilian intervention changes the course of events
Around 7:20pm, one of the gunmen moved away from the footbridge toward a path near Archer Park.
In a moment now widely described as heroic, a civilian rushed the attacker, disarmed him and turned the weapon against him.
Another bystander is believed to have helped.
Once the gunman was neutralised, police moved in.
Both attackers were shot, with one later confirmed dead.
The night unfolds hour by hour
By 7:30pm, footage showed two men lying face down on the footbridge as police handcuffed them.
At 7:43pm, NSW Police confirmed two people had been apprehended. By 8:35pm, ambulances had transported 16 patients to hospital.
Later that night, police revealed improvised explosive devices had been found in the attackers’ vehicle, prompting an exclusion zone and a massive search of nearby cars for additional threats or suspects.
Raids across Sydney raise further concerns
Police confirmed raids were underway across Sydney, suggesting prior intelligence may have existed.
One raid took place in Bonnyrigg, where 24-year-old Naveed Akram was identified as one of the gunmen.
Two additional arrests were made later that night.
By around 11:30pm, authorities said the immediate threat had been contained, though Bondi remained an active crime scene.
Witnesses question police preparedness
Some eyewitnesses expressed disbelief that a civilian had to step in to stop the attack.
Grace Matthews, who sheltered in a nearby church, said friends at the festival felt police were underprepared.
“There should never be a situation where a member of the public is in a shootout with an active gunman,” she said, noting the proximity of a police station to the scene.
Commissioner Lanyon defended his officers, saying he was “incredibly proud” of their actions and insisted lessons from past attacks had improved response times.
Intelligence failures and unanswered questions
ASIO has confirmed it will review how someone already known to authorities was able to carry out such an attack.
How the gunmen obtained high-powered weapons is another critical question that remains unresolved.
NSW Premier Chris Minns described the investigation ahead as “massive and complex,” while highlighting the overwhelming support shown to the Jewish community and the bravery displayed by ordinary Australians.
Remembering the victims behind the numbers
As investigations continue, stories of personal sacrifice and loss are emerging.
Alex Kleytman was killed while shielding his wife of 50 years, Larisa, during the attack.
The couple had come from Matraville to celebrate Hanukkah together.
“He raised himself up to protect me,” Mrs Kleytman said, believing that act cost him his life.
The couple had emigrated from Ukraine and shared two children and 11 grandchildren.
A community leader lost
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who helped promote the Hanukkah by the Sea event, was also among the 16 victims.
A respected father of five and a prison chaplain, he had recently celebrated the birth of his son.
His wife, Chaya, was reportedly injured, while their children escaped unharmed.
“He had a positive effect on so many people,” his brother-in-law said.
“He was a true leader.”
What happens next
Bondi Beach may be secured, but the emotional and national fallout is only beginning.
Investigators are now piecing together how the attack was planned, what intelligence was missed, and how such violence can be prevented in the future.
As Australia grieves, the focus shifts to accountability, healing, and ensuring a tragedy like this is never repeated.
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