Two gunmen opened fire on a crowd at a Hanukkah event, “Chanukah by the Sea,” in Archer Park at Sydney’s Bondi Beach around 6:47 p.m. local time on December 14. The attack killed at least 12 people and injured 29 others during a family-friendly Jewish festival on the first night of Hanukkah. One gunman died at the scene; the second is in custody. One shooter identified as 24-year-old Sydney resident Naveed Akram.
Heroic Intervention
An unidentified bystander, later named Ahmed al Ahmed, disarmed one gunman by rushing him from behind a parked car, wrestling him down, and seizing the firearm. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns called it “the most unbelievable scene,” hailing al Ahmed as a “genuine hero” who saved countless lives. Al Ahmed, shot twice, is hospitalized; his cousin Mustafa told 7 NEWS, “He’s a hero. 100%.”
Police Response and Investigation
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed police recovered improvised explosive devices from a vehicle on Campbell Parade at Bondi, with bomb disposal units on site. They’re probing a possible third gunman but can’t confirm involvement. Premier Minns labeled it a “terrorist incident” targeting Sydney’s Jewish community, promising a massive police response.
This string of recent shootings—from Brown University to Brooklyn and now Bondi—highlights rising concerns over public safety at events. For updates, follow Australian outlets like ABC News or NSW Police channels. Thoughts with the victims and hero.
