It was a night that promised to bring 'joy and light' to Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach as crowds of Jewish families gathered at a park to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, also known as the festival of light. They were among thousands of other swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers flocked to Australia's most famous beach on a scorching summer afternoon. But not long after the Hanukkah event kicked off at 17:00 local time and the first free donuts were handed out, festive music was drowned out by screams and gunshots.
Police received the initial call at 18:47, moments before two gunmen unleashed chaos, killing at least 15 and injuring many others. Eyewitness Chavi, a local teacher, described dropping to the ground to shield her baby as 'bullets were flying above us.'
'It was pandemonium and chaos,' said Barry, another attendee, witnessing the transformation from celebration to horror. Verified videos captured the chilling contrast of upbeat Hanukkah music with people crouching under fire.
Witnesses recounted the panic spreading from the park to the beach, where beachgoers fled, some colliding with vehicles in the rush. Footage shows two men, identified as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, shooting from an elevated position, prompting an immediate response from the community and emergency services.
A bystander named Ahmed al Ahmed bravely tackled one of the assailants, earning him praise for his courageous act, though gunfire resumed shortly after. The assault concluded when both gunmen were shot by police. Sajid Akram was declared dead at the scene, while his son Naveed remains critically injured.
In the wake of this tragedy, investigations linger over the weapons used and potential prior connections to extremist groups. Shahid Akram's legal firearm ownership adds complexity to the inquiry. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the stark juxtaposition of joy and horror on that fateful night will resonate profoundly in Bondi.
Police received the initial call at 18:47, moments before two gunmen unleashed chaos, killing at least 15 and injuring many others. Eyewitness Chavi, a local teacher, described dropping to the ground to shield her baby as 'bullets were flying above us.'
'It was pandemonium and chaos,' said Barry, another attendee, witnessing the transformation from celebration to horror. Verified videos captured the chilling contrast of upbeat Hanukkah music with people crouching under fire.
Witnesses recounted the panic spreading from the park to the beach, where beachgoers fled, some colliding with vehicles in the rush. Footage shows two men, identified as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, shooting from an elevated position, prompting an immediate response from the community and emergency services.
A bystander named Ahmed al Ahmed bravely tackled one of the assailants, earning him praise for his courageous act, though gunfire resumed shortly after. The assault concluded when both gunmen were shot by police. Sajid Akram was declared dead at the scene, while his son Naveed remains critically injured.
In the wake of this tragedy, investigations linger over the weapons used and potential prior connections to extremist groups. Shahid Akram's legal firearm ownership adds complexity to the inquiry. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the stark juxtaposition of joy and horror on that fateful night will resonate profoundly in Bondi.
