11 killed in terror attack at Australian beach during Jewish festival

Police have confirmed one of the gunmen was Naveed Akram from Bonnyrigg in Sydney's south-west. Credit: Daily Mail

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At least 11 people, including children, have been reported dead after two gunmen armed with rifles opened fire at Bondi Beach, in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday afternoon, with hundreds of beachgoers fleeing for their lives.

According to Daily Mail, witnesses said two men stepped out of a vehicle on Campbell Parade, near Bondi Pavilion, and opened fire about 6.40pm on Sunday, with footage showing blast after blast on the tourist strip. Some witnesses reported more than 30 shots.

Video and photos taken by a Daily Mail photographer showed a gunman, later identified as Naveed Akram, 24, from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s southwest, opening fire from an elevated bridge.

Akram was reportedly shot, arrested and remains in custody, where he is being treated by emergency services, while the second gunman has been shot dead.

Akram’s home in Bonnyrigg is also reportedly being raided by police, as a crowd watched from the pavement.

Meanwhile, a video has emerged from the Bondi Beach terror attack showing a hero creeping up behind one of the gunmen and successfully wresting his rifle off him.

The video shows the man creeping up behind one of the gunmen via the car park at the north end of the beach, and then wrestling him to the ground.

The man then waves a rifle in the gunman’s face. The gunman then walks away, and the hero drops the rifle.

A festival for Hanukkah, named Chanukah by the Sea, advertised as a night of family fun, was taking place, with children attending the event when the gunmen, one of whom was on the terror list and known to authorities, opened fire.

NSW Premier Chris Minns was said to have confirmed in a press conference late Sunday that 12 people were killed, saying that the incident was targeted at the Jewish community, given that a celebration named ‘Chanukah by the Sea’ was taking place when the gunmen opened fire.

Up to 29 injured people, including two police officers in critical condition and a child, were also taken to various hospitals in Sydney.

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon was reported to have formally designated the attack a terrorist incident.

Similarly, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reportedly condemned the shooting, which was confirmed as an act of terrorism.

“This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah – which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith.

“An act of evil antisemitism, terrorism, that has struck the heart of our nation… An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian,” he was quoted as saying.

The report added that it was confirmed late Sunday evening that a number of suspicious items had been found near the bridge where the gunmen fired rounds, including an improvised explosive device.

The IED was reportedly removed by bomb squad specialists, driven away in an armoured car.

A black and white flag was also seen abandoned on the bonnet of a silver Honda at the scene, although it is unknown what the flag means.

Police have also started investigating whether a third person was involved in the terror attack.

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𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝟏𝟏 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥

At least 11 people, including children, have been reported dead after two gunmen armed with rifles opened fire at Bondi Beach, in Sydney,… pic.twitter.com/iDFmeozRQ1

— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) December 14, 2025

Deborah, with nearly two years of media experience, reports human interest stories with a foundation in metro reporting.

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