SYDNEY Dec 15, 2025 – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Bondi Beach on Monday morning, laying flowers at the Bondi Pavilion in a somber tribute to the victims of Sunday’s terrorist shooting that claimed at least 15 lives.
The attack occurred during a “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration marking the start of Hanukkah, when two gunmen – identified by police as a father and son, Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24 – opened fire on the crowd near Archer Park, just north of the iconic pavilion. Sajid Akram was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police, while his son remains in hospital under guard in critical condition. Authorities have declared the incident an act of terrorism motivated by antisemitism.
Albanese, dressed in a suit and carrying a bouquet, was among the first to lay flowers at the growing makeshift memorial outside the cordoned-off pavilion. He described the scene as “horrific,” stood in silence for a moment, and shook hands with officers on site before departing after a brief visit. Flags at the pavilion flew at half-mast as mourners continued to add tributes, including candles and Israeli flags.
In a statement accompanying images of the visit shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister wrote: “Australia will not be divided by hate or violence. We will confront it head on. And we will stand together in solidarity with Jewish Australians and with one another.”
The death toll stands at 15 victims, ranging in age from 10 to 87, with dozens more injured, including two police officers. Witnesses described chaos as shots rang out from a footbridge overlooking the event, prompting panic among families and beachgoers.
Albanese has condemned the attack as an “act of pure evil” and vowed to eradicate antisemitism, convening national security meetings and pledging full resources to the response. International reactions include condemnation from US President Donald Trump, who called it “purely antisemitic,” and criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused the Australian government of fueling antisemitism through its policies.
A heavy police presence remains at the beach as investigations continue, with raids conducted at properties linked to the suspects in south-west Sydney.
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