Bondi beach gunmen shot 11 people within 30 seconds of opening fire, royal commission hears

Bondi Beach Terror Attack Unfolds: Rapid Fire Claims 11 Lives

Public Hearings Reveal Gaps in Security Measures

Bondi beach gunmen shot 11 people - The royal commission investigating antisemitism and social cohesion has received testimony detailing a harrowing incident at Bondi beach, where two gunmen targeted Jewish Australians and opened fire, killing 10 people and wounding one within 30 seconds. The attack, which took place on December 14, 2025, was described as a swift and coordinated assault that left the community in shock. The second round of public hearings in Sydney, held on Monday, focused on the preparedness of authorities before the incident and the broader context of rising antisemitic threats.

According to evidence presented, the shooters—Sajid Akram and his son Naveed—ambushed attendees at a beachside Hanukah celebration in Archer Park. The event, organized by the local Jewish community, was attended by around 15 people, many of whom were participating in the traditional festival. Witnesses confirmed that the attack began when the gunmen, positioned on a footbridge, unleashed a barrage of gunfire. Within seconds, the scene turned chaotic, with multiple casualties reported before police arrived.

“The evidence will show that the attack was executed with precision, targeting Jewish community members in a densely populated area,” stated Richard Lancaster SC, counsel assisting the commission.

Lancaster highlighted the critical role of police presence during the event. The Community Security Group, a Jewish organization, had requested a static police deployment for the entire duration of the Hanukah celebration. However, NSW police opted for a more flexible approach, assigning officers to patrol the area intermittently. At the time of the shooting, four police officers were stationed at Archer Park, but their response was unable to prevent the carnage.

Testimony revealed that the shooters’ actions were nearly instantaneous. Within 29 seconds of the first shots being fired, 11 people had been struck by gunfire, with 10 of them losing their lives. Three police officers were also injured during the attack, underscoring the vulnerability of security personnel in the face of sudden violence. By the time additional units arrived, 11 officers were on the scene to manage the aftermath. The first shooter was neutralized and killed within seven minutes of the attack, while the second, Naveed Akram, was subdued and wounded before being taken into custody.

During the hearings, Lancaster emphasized that the attack was unexpected, with no prior intelligence pointing to a specific threat against the Hanukah event. “There is no indication that any agency anticipated the use of firearms in this manner,” he said. “It was a surprise attack, though the broader context of antisemitism in Australia was well understood.” This sentiment was echoed by the Asio director general, Mike Burgess, who acknowledged the growing concern surrounding antisemitic incidents.

Asio Funding Allocation Sparks Debate

Burgess testified that while Asio’s overall budget had increased in recent years, the proportion allocated to counter-terrorism had diminished. Resources, including staff, were shifted toward combating foreign interference and espionage, leaving counter-terrorism efforts with fewer personnel and tools. When asked if additional funding would have better equipped the agency to address threats like the Bondi attack, Burgess responded cautiously.

“Looking back, I still believe our current resources are adequate for the challenges we face,” Burgess stated. “We are stretched, but we have mechanisms in place to request more support if needed.”

However, the commission pressed further, questioning whether Asio’s reduced counter-terrorism focus left it unprepared for a scenario involving “lone actors” acting without warning. Burgess admitted that the risk of such individuals moving to violence had escalated, particularly following the increased tensions in the Gaza conflict. He noted that antisemitic behavior had been observed as early as October 2023, with threats and intimidation directed at Jewish Australians. By October 2024, these incidents had transitioned from symbolic gestures to targeted attacks on people, businesses, and places of worship.

Broader Implications for National Security

Experts on the commission expressed concern over the implications of the attack, particularly the lack of specific intelligence leading up to the event. Despite awareness of an “enduring threat to Jewish interests,” Asio had not identified a plan for an armed assault. “We recognized the emotional impact of the Gaza conflict, but it was not enough to predict an attack at Bondi,” Burgess explained.

Lancaster posed a pivotal question: “Given the rising threat level and the fact that Asio was already stretched in 2025, can the public trust that the agency is equipped to handle future antisemitic attacks of a terrorist nature?” Burgess affirmed that his department prioritizes resources based on current priorities and remains ready to escalate funding as required. “Our focus is on deploying where it matters most,” he said. “If the threat intensifies, we will seek the necessary support through the budget process.”

The commission’s findings highlight a critical issue in the balance between counter-terrorism and other security priorities. While Asio’s funding has expanded, the allocation to counter-terrorism has decreased, raising questions about preparedness for sudden, high-impact events. The Bondi attack, which occurred during a festive gathering, serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of under-resourcing in this area. As the hearings continue, attention will turn to how the government plans to address these concerns and strengthen measures against emerging threats.

Community leaders have called for a reassessment of security protocols, particularly the need for a more robust police presence at cultural events. The Hanukah celebration at Bondi beach was chosen for its accessibility and popularity, making it an ideal target. The rapid succession of casualties—11 people shot in under a minute—illustrated the devastating impact of such an attack. As the investigation progresses, the focus will remain on understanding the motivations behind the violence and ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future.

Analysts suggest that the rise in antisemitic attacks is closely linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has fueled extremist sentiment across the globe. The gunmen’s alleged connection to Islamic State further underscores the potential for global radicalization to affect local communities. With the national terrorism risk rating remaining at the “upper end of probable,” the commission’s work is essential in identifying systemic weaknesses and advocating for improved strategies. The testimony from Burgess and Lancaster has already sparked discussions about the need for a more proactive approach to monitoring and mitigating antisemitic threats.

As the hearings conclude, the emphasis will shift to policy recommendations. The debate over funding allocation and resource distribution is expected to shape future security frameworks. The Bondi attack, a tragic convergence of timing, location, and intent, has brought national attention to the challenges faced by Jewish Australians and the broader implications for public safety. With 15 people killed and the community left to grapple with the aftermath, the royal commission’s inquiry will play a vital role in addressing both the immediate crisis and long-term vulnerabilities in Australia’s security landscape.