Australia has vowed to implement stricter gun laws. This decision comes as the nation mourns the victims of its worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years.
On Sunday evening, a father and son allegedly opened fire on a Jewish celebration. The attack took place at Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach and left 15 people dead.
Police killed the older gunman, aged 50, at the scene. This brings the total death toll to 16. His 24-year-old son remains in critical condition in the hospital.
The Attack
For approximately 10 to 20 minutes, the gunmen fired upon attendees at a Hanukkah event. The attack sent terrified beachgoers fleeing across the sand and into nearby streets.
The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87. They included:
- A rabbi and father of five.
- A Holocaust survivor.
- A 10-year-old girl.
- A Slovak national.
Police reported that 40 people were taken to the hospital. This number includes two police officers who are in serious but stable condition.
The Suspects and Weapons
Police have not officially named the suspects yet. However, media reports identify them as Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed Akram.
Reports indicate that authorities found two flags belonging to the Islamic State militant group in the gunmen’s vehicle.
Security officials revealed that the older suspect held a firearms license since 2015. He possessed six registered weapons. Although authorities knew one gunman, they did not deem him an immediate threat.
Home Minister Tony Burke confirmed the father’s status. He arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa. Conversely, the son is an Australian-born citizen.
Cabinet Agrees to Toughen Laws
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack. He called it “pure evil” and an act of terrorism.
“The Jewish community are hurting today. Today, all Australians wrap our arms around them and say, we stand with you,” Albanese said.
In response, the cabinet agreed to strengthen gun laws. Measures being considered include:
- Establishing a national firearms register.
- Limiting the number of weapons a single individual can own.
- Restricting the duration of gun licenses.
- Limiting permits strictly to Australian citizens.
“People’s circumstances can change. People can be radicalised over a period of time. Licences should not be in perpetuity,” the Prime Minister stated.
This incident has raised serious questions about Australia’s gun control measures. Experts already consider them some of the toughest in the world.
Hero Bystander
Amid the tragedy, stories of heroism have emerged. A bystander, Ahmed al Ahmed, was captured on video tackling one of the gunmen. He successfully disarmed the attacker.
Al Ahmed was shot twice during the struggle and has undergone surgery. The public hails him as a hero whose actions saved lives. A fundraising page established for him has already raised more than A$1 million ($665,000).
A Solemn Vibe
Mourners have created a makeshift memorial at the Bondi pavilion. They laid flowers near Israeli and Australian flags while police and private security guards patrolled the area.
Morgan Gabriel, a local resident, described the scene. “It’s a very sad time this morning… So this is very, very quiet. And there’s definitely a solemn sort of vibe.”
Context and Reaction
This is the worst mass shooting in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania. That tragedy claimed 35 lives.
It also marks the most serious incident in a recent string of antisemitic attacks in the country. World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, have offered their condolences.
Rabbi Mendel Kastel, whose brother-in-law was killed in the attack, called for resilience. “We need to step up at a time like this … And we will, and we will get through this,” he said.
READ ALSO: Arteta Challenges Jesus to Lead Attack
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
