CloseThe suspected gunmen who killed 15 people in an antisemitic terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach were a father and son, police have said.
Hundreds had gathered for an event called Chanukah by the Sea near Bondi Beach’s children’s park when the attack was launched on Sunday evening.
One gunman, aged 50, was shot by police and died at the scene, while a second attacker, a 24-year-old man, suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.
New South Wales police commissioner Mal Lanyon told a press conference on Monday morning that the attackers were father and son. He also confirmed the 50-year-old was a licensed firearm owner.
A ten-year-old girl who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital after the attack is among those who have died. At least 40 people are receiving treatment in hospital, including three other children.
Officials said 14 people died at the scene with the child and a 40-year-old man later dying in hospital. The victims range from 10 years old to 87.
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Gun laws must be tightened, NSW premier Chris Minns says
NSW premier Chris Minns says gun laws must be tightened to prevent a repeat of the Bondi attack.
He said this would involve “making it more difficult to get these horrifying weapons that have no practical use in our community”.
“If you’re not a farmer, you’re not involved in agriculture, why do you need these massive weapons to put the public in danger and make life dangerous and difficult for New South Wales police?” he added.
“I understand the genuine desire to have information about how the law will change, but we're less than 24 hours into this horrifying crime.
“I want to make sure that legislation and reform that we bring to Parliament makes a big difference, but that's entirely my intention and my colleagues feel the same way,” Minns said.
Maroosha Muzaffar15 December 2025 03:21
Older gunman had hunting licence for long arms, police say
The Bondi Beach gunman was legally eligible to hold a firearms licence for recreational hunting, police said, and had the appropriate permissions for the weapons he owned.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the man held a “category AB licence that entitled him to have the long arms he had”, adding that the firearms registry conducts “a thorough examination of all applications to ensure a person is fit and proper to hold a firearms licence”.
Under NSW rules, eligibility for a game hunting licence depends on factors such as the land, the animals hunted and the purpose, with the Service NSW website listing “recreation or personal consumption” as valid reasons.
Maroosha Muzaffar15 December 2025 02:58
Bondi Beach to remain closed on Monday, say police
New South Wales Police said Bondi Beach will remain closed on Monday following an attack that killed at least 15 people.
"Bondi Beach and surrounding roads in the Bondi area will be closed today as investigators continue to work through the crime scene. Aircrafts including drones are prohibited from flying over the crime scene," a statement said.
Athena Stavrou15 December 2025 02:33
Watch: Australian PM addresses nation after deadly Bondi beach attack at Jewish event
Alex Woodward15 December 2025 02:13
Full story: Terror attack declared after gunmen open fire at Hanukkah event
Sixteen killed in ‘evil antisemitic’ shooting at Jewish event on Bondi beach
One suspected shooter has been killed and another is in critical conditionAthena Stavrou15 December 2025 02:00
'We know very little' about suspects, Minns says
Chris Minns says he is “not prepared to comment” on whether the gunmen are Australian citizens.
He said they have had a “connection for quite a period of time” within the country.
“We are very much working through the background of both persons,” he added. “At this stage we know very little about them.”
Alex Woodward15 December 2025 01:43
Gunman had AB gun licence allowing possession of long arms
The gunman had a category AB licence that allowed him to legally possess a long gun, according to officials.
The firearms license allowed the gunman to have a firearm recreational use as a gun club member.
The father has held a licence since 2015, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon.
Chris Minns said he is not prepared to announce new reforms in the wake of the attack but “you can expect action soon."
Alex Woodward15 December 2025 01:38
Police commissioner says 'retribution' will not be tolerated
NSW police commissioner Mal Lanyon urged for “calm” in the aftermath of the shooting in remarks to reporters Monday.
"Retribution or acts against any part of any community will not be accepted," he said.
"This is a time for the community to come together,” he added. “This is a time that police will take action to make sure the community feels safe.”
Alex Woodward15 December 2025 01:33
People embrace after laying flowers at Bondi Beach memorial
Alex Woodward15 December 2025 01:20
