On a tragic evening at Bondi Beach in Sydney, two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and over 40 injuries. The attackers, identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed, utilized long-barrel shotguns from a footbridge overlooking a public park. Eyewitnesses captured nearly eleven minutes of footage detailing the violent events that transpired.
The incident began shortly before 6:43 p.m. when one of the gunmen discharged the first shot towards the crowd. In the ensuing chaos, beachgoers fled the area as police sirens echoed. As the attack progressed, one gunman moved closer to the park while the other remained on the bridge, continuing to fire indiscriminately.
A bystander named Ahmed al Ahmed intervened during the assault. He was able to tackle one of the gunmen and disarm him, an act that has since garnered significant public attention. Al Ahmed sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was hospitalized following the incident.
As the attack unfolded, police arrived on the scene and engaged the attackers. The video footage shows both gunmen receiving gunfire from law enforcement. One was shot and fell to the ground, while the other continued to exchange shots with police before also being struck.
In the aftermath, a chaotic scene developed as bystanders approached the bridge, some attempting to assist while others became embroiled in confrontations. The situation concluded with emergency responders arriving, securing the area, and attending to the wounded, including the assailants. The incident has reignited discussions surrounding the necessity for stricter gun control laws and measures to combat rising antisemitism in Australia.