Monday, December 15, 2025 - Police have confirmed that the two gunmen behind the horrifying Bondi Beach attack were a father and son.
The attackers were identified as a 50-year-old man and his 24-year-old
son. The older suspect was shot and died at the scene after police opened fire,
while his son was left in critical condition and remains under medical care.
The brazen attack in Sydney left 16 people dead, including a
10-year-old girl. At least 40 others remain in hospital, with five reported to
be fighting for their lives.
Police said the father was a licensed firearms holder and
had six weapons registered in his name. All six firearms were recovered during
the investigation.
“As part of the investigation, we conducted two search
warrants last night, one at Bonnyrigg and a second at Campsie,” police said.
“The 50-year-old male is a licensed firearms holder; he has six firearms
licensed to him.”
Authorities also confirmed that two rudimentary explosive
devices were found at the scene and safely removed for deactivation.
Investigators said they are still working to establish the motive behind the
gun rampage but ruled out the possibility of a third suspect.
“There was also no indication to indicate that either of the
men involved in yesterday’s attack was planning the attack that happened
yesterday,” police said.
New South Wales police commissioner Mal Lanyon said
authorities had little prior intelligence on the suspects. “There was very
little knowledge of these two men,” Lanyon said. “The older man had a licence
for around 10 years, without any reported incidents.”
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese described the
shooting as an act of terrorism and antisemitism.
“An act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores
in an iconic Australian location, Bondi Beach,” he said. “Yesterday was indeed
a dark day in our nation’s history. But we as a nation are stronger than the
cowards who did this.”
Police confirmed that at least 15 people, excluding the
deceased gunman, were killed during the attack, which targeted a Jewish event
celebrating Hanukkah. Victims include a 10 year old girl, a London born rabbi,
an Israeli man and a French citizen. Three children were among those injured.
Witnesses said the two suspects stepped out of a vehicle on
Campbell Parade near the Bondi Pavilion and opened fire at about 6.45 pm.
Around 200 people had gathered at the beach for the Hanukkah celebration at the
time.
Shocking footage showed police officers engaging the
attackers and eventually neutralising the older suspect after an exchange of
gunfire.
Video clips also captured a moment of extraordinary bravery
as a bystander tackled one of the gunmen, disarmed him and attempted to turn
the weapon back on him before placing it aside. Another video showed hundreds
of beachgoers fleeing in panic as gunshots echoed across the area.
World leaders condemned the attack and paid tribute to the
victims.
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