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Bondi Beach shooting updates: PM to strengthen gun laws across Australia following Bondi attack — as it happened
By Daniela Pizzirani, Tessa Flemming, Joshua Boscaini, Courtney Gould, Jessica Riga, Georgie Hewson, Brianna Morris-Grant, Maddy Morwood, Shiloh Payne, Basel Hindeleh, Yiying Li and Patrick Martin
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This blog is now closed. For the latest on the Bondi Beach shooting read today’s live blog.
The prime minister says the national cabinet and first ministers have agreed to strengthen gun laws across the nation.
It includes renegotiating the National Firearms Agreement, which could include limiting the number of firearms to be held by an individual and restricting gun licences to Australian citizens.
Warning: This blog contains details that may distress some readers.
Fifteen people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed, and a further 42 people were taken to hospital after two men opened fire in Bondi Beach on Sunday afternoon.
One of the gunmen was shot and killed by police and the other is under police guard in hospital.
Read more on this story:
- The final six minutes of the attack as revealed by videos
- Parents praise “hero” son for tackling gunman
- Watch the moment one gunman was disarmed by a civilian
Key Events
- Nine of the victims namedMon 15 DecMon 15 Dec
- Sydney Opera House lit upMon 15 DecMon 15 Dec
- ‘Ahmed is a real-life hero’: NSW premierMon 15 DecMon 15 Dec
Show all key events
Live updates
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15 Dec, 6:54pm
What we know so far
By Yiying Li
Show more
To get you up to speed, here’s what we know:
- 15 people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, with more than 40 injured, when a father and son opened fire at Bondi Beach yesterday afternoon.
- NSW Health says 27 people are currently receiving care in hospital, down from 42 earlier in the day.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he and state leaders have agreed that strong action is needed “on gun law reform as an immediate action”.
- The ABC understands ASIO examined Naveed Akram six years ago over his close ties to a Sydney-based Islamic State terrorism cell.
- The father, Sajid Akram, was shot and killed by police. His son, Naveed Akram, remains in hospital under police guard.
- A planned Hanukkah event due to be held today on the Gold Coast has been cancelled, with Hanukkah events cancelled across Sydney.
- Ahmed Al Ahmed, 43, who was filmed tackling and disarming one of the Bondi gunmen, has undergone his first surgery successfully, his cousin Hozay Alkanj says.
- Vigils have been held in Sydney and Melbourne to mourn the deaths of 15 people killed in a terror attack in Bondi.
15 Dec, 11:20pm
Moving our coverage
By Basel Hindeleh
We’ll be moving our covering over to a new blog for Tuesday where we will continue brining the latest.
If you felt like you needed a recap, here is a video describing what happened in the hours after the shooting:
Thank you for staying with us today.
Live: Vigils take place across the world in memory of Bondi Beach terror victims
Jewish community leaders say ‘things can’t go back to normal’
By Daniela Pizzirani
Jewish community leaders say the Bondi mass shooting has “fundamentally changed” Australia, and have called for more to be done to combat antisemitism.
Among those killed on Sunday was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, one of the organisers of the event targeted.
You can read more by Tim Callanan below.
Bondi attack has ‘fundamentally changed’ Australia, Jewish leaders say
Terror attack a ‘desecration’ of Australian values: Morrison
By Courtney Gould
Former prime minister Scott Morrison has described the terror attack as one of Australia’s “darkest days” as raised concerns about the rise in antisemitism.
“It’s a desecration not only on a … landscape that is world famous, that we all love, but it is a desecration of the very values and things we like to believe Australia is all about,” he told Sky News.
Morrison said antisemitism had gone unchecked in Australia and “a vacuum emerged and it has been filled with evil”.
He says the actions of the two alleged perpetrators is a direct response to antisemitism being allowed to flourish.
“Our security agencies, they can protect us so far but they can’t be everywhere and in everybody’s head and knowing what they’re about to do at any given time,” he said.
“But the ability to protect against events like this is extremely difficult. And that is why ensuring that we … not just douse but eliminate this fire of antisemitism that was unleashed post October 7 is so important.
“And why the lack of progress on that has taken us to this awful fay, just this awful night.”
Morrison said this should be a “defining moment” for Australians to understand how “viciously” they have been targeted.
15 Dec, 10:40pm
Australia’s gun laws have slipped, advocate says
By Patrick Martin
Hobart-based Roland Browne is vice-president of Gun Control Australia and has been advocating for gun law reform since 1987, well before the Port Arthur massacre that prompted an overhaul of the country’s firearms laws.
He says the Bondi Beach attack is proof that Australia’s gun laws have showed there had clearly been a “major failing in the assessment process” through which the shooters obtained guns and licences to hold these guns.
“Why somebody needs six firearms in suburban Sydney is a complete mystery,” he said.
You can read more from Roland and the work of the ABC’s Annika Burgess and Paddy Manning here:
Bondi proof that Port Arthur guns laws failing, advocate says
15 Dec, 10:27pm
Jewish education providers ‘hearbroken’
PBy Phoebe Pin
A number of Jewish education providers in Sydney have taken to social media to condemn the attack.
“The Masada College community is heartbroken by the tragic events at Bondi Beach last night,” the co-educational college said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured, those who have lost loved ones, and the families still waiting anxiously for news.
“On the first day of Chanukah, as we confront the darkness of these events, we hold fast to the hope that light, compassion, and goodness will prevail.”
“The Moriah College community is heartbroken by the devastating events at Bondi on the first night of Chanukah,” the modern Orthodox independent day school added.
“We mourn the lives lost, hold the injured in our prayers, and send our deepest love and strength to the families whose worlds have been shattered.
“On a night that should be filled with light, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of standing together.
“May the lights of Chanukah shine through the darkness, bringing strength, comfort and hope, and may the memories of those lost be a blessing.”
15 Dec, 10:15pm
Civilian doctor helped to save lives
By Josie Sargent
Sydney cardiologist and Bondi lifesaver James Otten was in the North Bondi Surf Club and told The World Today he jumped to help when someone ran in looking for medical help.
“There were a lot of casualties, there was some chaos, but the ambos and the paramedics did a fantastic job trying to control that and coordinate that. Everyone was helping – there were doctors who were walking past, there were fieries, there were the lifesavers and the lifeguards. Everyone was doing their best. And if there was one positive, it was everyone working together as best they could to try to save a very terrible situation.”
Mr Otten says it was a scene of despair and sorrow.
“I’m a 50-year-old cardiologist and I feel trauma, but I wasn’t shot. My loved ones weren’t killed, and my kids weren’t killed. And my real sympathies go to the victims of this terrible action. I was looking after, predominantly, after one security guard who I was very glad made it onto an ambulance and into hospital. And I very much hope that he made it through.”
15 Dec, 10:11pm
Sharma calls for ‘forensic’ investigation to ensure attack can never happen again
By Courtney Gould
Liberal senator Dave Sharma says it’s understandable that people within the Jewish community are “very angry and upset” after last night’s terror attack.
He said there has been “an escalation” from people marching “to intimidatory slogan to property damage, to doxing, to firebombing of synagogues”.
“It’s not untrue that people did warn that something like this could happen in Australia. But the fact that’s come to pass … is no less shocking,” he told Sky News.
Sharma was asked if there was a view the government had failed the community.
“It’s fundamentally the job of every government and any government of any political persuasion. Its fundamental duty is to protect its citizens. And so, you know, clearly the fact that this has happened means that duty has not been met,” Sharma said.
But he declined to place the blame on anyone specifically.
“But clearly … there will need to be, and there must be, a very forensic and detailed examination of how we have reached this point in Australia and what we must do to ensure that it can never happen again.” he said.
Sharma was a former ambassador to Israel. He held the federal seat of Wentworth, where Bondi is located, before being installed as a senator.
15 Dec, 10:00pm
Former Waverley Council mayor laments ‘loss of innocence in Australia’
By Jessica Hinchliffe
Human rights lawyer, former mayor of the Waverley Council and a member of Sydney’s Jewish community George Newhouse told PM on Radio National that people need to come together.
“People are grieving and crying, and not just for those that have died and been injured by the brutal massacre, but also for the loss of innocence in Australia.”
He says it’s time for people of goodwill to “come together and stop the violent and extremist talk”.
“It’s time for that to stop, and the government needs to be a part of that process.”
He says he’s not playing politics with this tragedy and that “we should be above that”.
“Frankly, I don’t like seeing Netanyahu getting involved in Australian politics either. What we need to focus on is the hate that Jewish people are experiencing here in Australia and whatever your view on what’s happening in the Middle East has nothing to do with the justification of slaughter of innocent people in Australia.”
He wants Australians to do two things, calling out hatred and violence against Jewish people on social media and in public and for the government to take steps to enforce race hate laws to “ensure Jewish people are protected”.
15 Dec, 9:50pm
India issues high alert for Jewish communities after Sydney terror attack
SBy South Asia bureau chief Meghna Bali in New Delhi
Indian security agencies have placed major cities on high alert, amid warnings of possible threats to Jewish establishments during the Hanukkah period, according to Indian media reports.
Security was stepped up nationwide following the deadly attack in Sydney, with additional police deployed at synagogues and other Jewish sites.
Security agencies have increased their manpower in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, Indian media reported.
A senior police officer told media measures were based on “specific intelligence inputs”, with alerts issued to local police stations and anti-terror units instructed to monitor suspicious activity and potential radicalisation.
Jewish and Israeli-linked sites in India have been targeted before.
During the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, militants killed seven people at Nariman House, a Jewish centre. In 2012, the wife of Israel’s defence attaché was injured in a car bombing in New Delhi, an attack Indian authorities linked to Iran. A blast near the Israeli embassy in 2021 was later attributed to Iran’s IRGC Quds Force. In 2023, police in Pune arrested two men with explosives, drone equipment and images of Mumbai’s Chabad House, underscoring ongoing concerns about threats to Jewish targets in India.
15 Dec, 9:30pm
World leaders condemn Bondi attacks and offer condolences to Australia
LBy Leonie Thorne
More world leaders have expressed their condolences for Australia in the wake of the Bondi terror attack.
Here’s a wrap of some of the latest statements.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape:
“This senseless act of violence has taken innocent lives and caused immense pain to families, friends and the wider Australian community.
“Papua New Guinea stands in solidarity with Australia at this difficult time, sharing in your grief and mourning alongside you.
“We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and reaffirm our commitment to peace, security and the protection of innocent lives.”
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim:
“I am deeply alarmed by the violent attack in Sydney that has claimed innocent lives and left many others injured. I condemn this act in the strongest terms.
“There can be no justification for violence directed at civilians, still less for attacks that single people out on the basis of race or religion, at any time or in any place.
“Such acts have no basis in any faith or belief. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish those injured a swift and full recovery.
“Malaysia stands in firm solidarity with the people and Government of Australia at this difficult time, and fully supports all efforts to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice in accordance with the law.”
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te:
“I extend my deepest condolences to the victims and all those affected by the horrific attack at Bondi Beach.
“Taiwan strongly condemns all acts of terrorism and stands with the people of Australia and the Jewish community during this difficult time.”
15 Dec, 9:14pm
China offers condolences
By Bang Xiao
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has sent a message of condolence to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong following the Bondi Beach attack, China’s embassy in Australia has confirmed to the ABC.
Beijing expressed its condolences to the victims and extended sympathy to the families of those killed and to those injured.
15 Dec, 8:39pm
Families of injured police officers offer thoughts to loved ones of victims
By Basel Hindeleh
The families of the two NSW police officers who were critically injured have offered their “thoughts to the loved ones of those who were killed and injured.”
“They also want to express their heartfelt gratitude to all first responders who acted with courage, in particular the police officers and paramedics who responded. They also wish to thank their hospital team, and especially those in ICU,” a statement passed through NSW Police said.
“They thank the community for their support but have asked for privacy as their loved ones focus on recovery and healing.”
One of the officers, Constable Scott Dyson, remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Minneapolis shooting: 2 children dead, 17 victims injured in Minnesota Catholic school attack
Authorities identified the shooter as Robin Westman.
2 children killed in Minneapolis school shooting
Updated
This liveblog has now ended — you can follow the latest updates here.NEW UPDATES
Doctor describes treating victims of Minnesota school shooting
NBC News
Dr. Thomas Wyatt spoke to reporters outside Hennepin Healthcare and described how the events unfolded once he was notified by page of a “mass casualty situation.” Wyatt said seven patients were brought to the hospital in critical condition and four required the operating room. Nine of the 11 patients were children aged six to 14 years old.
Doctor describes treating victims of Minnesota school shooting
Archbishop of Chicago calls for safety to be ‘national priority’
The archbishop of Chicago called on the government to do more to protect the safety of the public from what he called the “curse of gun violence” — and said such violence is a threat to rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
“The facts are clear. Guns are plentiful and common sense attempts to limit their availability have been largely rejected in the name of a freedom not found in our constitution,” Cardinal Blase J. Cupich said in a statement after the shooting in Minneapolis.
“Cutbacks in funding for health care and social service programs will only exacerbate a national mental health crisis and increase alienation,” he wrote. “We therefore pray for those who hold the power to make the safety of our people a national priority.”Show more
Family of slain Minnesota lawmaker calls for stricter gun control in wake of school shooting
Emmy Beck-Aden and Rudy Chinchilla
The family of a Minnesota lawmaker who was gunned down alongside her husband said tonight that the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School should spur action on high-powered weapons.
State Rep. Melissa Hortman and husband Mark were shot dead in June in what officials have said was a “politically motivated assassination.“
“No one should have to suffer the loss of a loved one to gun violence,” the Hortman family said in a statement.
The statement said the Hortmans believed people should be safe in their schools, places of worship and homes.
“Mark and Melissa believed that children should be able to gather in schools safely, that communities should be able to worship in peace, and that families should be safe in their homes,” the family said.
“We hope this tragedy spurs elected officials to take action towards common-sense measures on access to high-powered weapons so that no one else must suffer,” the family said, referring to today’s shooting.
‘This is insanity,’ man with ties to Annunciation says after another mass shooting in the U.S.
Shaquille Brewster
Reporting from Minneapolis, MN
In Lynnhurst Park in Southwest Minneapolis, well over a thousand people and children stood with lit candles at a Moms Demand Action vigil after another day in the United States in which a gunman opened fire at a public place.
This time it was a shooter who killed two children and wounded others after opening fire on a church service at Annunciation Catholic School.
Dick Ghizoni was walking his dog earlier today, and when he returned home his daughter told him there had been a mass shooting at Annunciation.
“I couldn’t believe her words, and when I heard it, my stomach turned — big time,” Ghizoni said outside the vigil. “My brothers and sisters and I went there, kindergarten through eighth grade. My parents were pillars of the community in the church.”
“It’s just horrible,” he said.Show more
Rep. Greenman calls for her community to come together
State Rep. Emma Greenman, whose district includes the site of the shooting at Annunciation Church, said her community is trying to wrap “support and courage” around the victims and their families.
Greenman said there is “so much more work to do” when it comes to combating gun violence across the country, adding, “We know that this is not a Minnesota issue; this is a national issue.”
“We have just now become a part of that heartbreaking and tragic community of communities that have suffered this real, horrific pain,” Greenman said.
She said society cannot become numb to violence like today’s shooting, and she urged people to “turn to both their neighbors and every level of government and say we can and will do better by our kids.”
At nearby high school, terror as news of shooting spread
Academy of Holy Angels High School in Richfield is around 5 minutes down the road from Annunciation Catholic Church and School, and the two are closely linked.
And as news of the shooting spread at Holy Angels, where, junior Elizabeth Payne said, about half of all students went to Annunciation, it was even closer.
“And I just saw — like, the people in my class had siblings at Annunciation. And just the look of pure terror on their face,” Payne, 17, said after she attended a vigil at Holy Angels tonight.
“You see this all over the nation, but it’s never really happened this close,” she said.Show more
First lady calls for ‘pre-emptive intervention’ to identify potential shooters
First lady Melania Trump tonight called for “pre-emptive intervention” to identify “potential school shooters,” saying there are often early warning signs.
“Early warning signs are often evident, with many individuals exhibiting concerning behaviors and making violent threats online prior to their actions,” Trump wrote on X, adding that taking notice of those signs “and acting quickly can save lives and make American communities safer.”
“To prevent future tragedies, it is crucial we look into behavioral threat assessments across all levels of society—beginning in our homes, extending through school districts and of course, social media platforms,” she said.
