Australia is grappling with the aftermath of one of its deadliest mass shootings, which authorities have denounced as antisemitic terrorism. The attack occurred on a Sunday afternoon at Bondi Beach, targeting crowds gathered for a Jewish festival celebrating Hanukkah, resulting in 15 deaths and dozens of wounded.
The suspects were identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, the latter of whom was previously known to Australia’s intelligence agency for his association with Islamic State ideology. In the weeks prior to the mass stabbing, the pair traveled to the Philippines and then secretly plotted the attack from an Airbnb in Sydney’s outer suburbs.
The horrifying Sydney stabbing unfolded quickly, starting around 6:47 p.m. Many beachgoers initially mistook the gunfire for celebratory fireworks, delaying the realization of the danger. As panic set in, a team of off-duty lifeguards rushed to drag children to safety.
Heroic bystanders attempted to stop the attackers. Fruit seller Ahmed Al Ahmed tackled the father, Sajid Akram, wrestling his long-barreled gun away. Armed Australian police arrived about 10 minutes into the carnage, resulting in an exchange of fire that killed Sajid. Naveed was later shot and restrained. The victims included Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, who died shielding his wife, and a 10-year-old girl. Authorities declared the incident a terrorist attack later that night, confirming 15 fatalities. The Bondi Junction tragedy has led to calls for toughening Australia’s gun laws.
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