Bondi Beach attack: At least 12 people were killed in a shooting attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during Hanukkah celebrations on Sunday. One of the gunmen was killed during the incident, while the other remains in serious condition in hospital. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared the attack a terrorist incident, noting that it specifically targeted people celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. He described the incident as an act of evil antisemitism and terrorism that has struck at the heart of the nation.
Who is Naveed Akram?
One of the gunmen who opened fire at Bondi Beach has been identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram. According to ABC Australia, authorities believe Akram, a man from south-west Sydney, carried out the attack. Police are currently conducting raids at Akram’s house, located in the suburb of Bonnyrigg. Notably, during the attack, two gunmen armed with automatic rifles shot dead at least 12 people. One of the gunmen was fatally shot by police, while the second was arrested, though it is not yet clear which attacker was Naveed Akram. Authorities have also discovered an explosive device in a car linked to one of the shooters.
Sydney shooting: Death toll rises to 12
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon held a joint press conference regarding the tragic incident. They confirmed that death toll has risen to 12, and declared it a terrorist incident, noting that over 1,000 people were present at the site. Twenty-nine people, including a child and two police officers in serious condition, have been hospitalised. Of the two gunmen, one is dead and the other is in serious condition, while authorities are investigating the possible involvement of a third.
PM Modi condemns the terror attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach and extended his sincere condolences to the families of the victims. In a post on X, he expressed India’s solidarity with the people of Australia during this tragic hour. PM Modi emphasised that India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and fully supports the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism.
“Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief. India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and supports the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism,” PM Modi wrote on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets, "Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the… pic.twitter.com/tTlaKWTEet
— ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2025
