Bondi Beach shooters identified as father and son, 16 killed in attack

Australian authorities have identified the perpetrators of Sunday's mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach as a father and son. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated the attackers were a 50-year-old man, who was killed at the scene, and his 24-year-old son, who remains hospitalized in critical condition, adding that no other suspects are being sought.

Details of the Attack and Police Investigation

The attack occurred during an event marking the first night of Hanukkah, resulting in at least 16 fatalities, including 15 victims and the older assailant, with approximately 40 people wounded. Commissioner Lanyon confirmed the deceased father was a licensed firearms holder with six registered weapons. Police recovered six firearms from the scene and two properties in the suburbs of Bonnyrigg and Campsie, and also removed explosive devices from a vehicle. Ballistics tests are ongoing to confirm the weapons used.

Political Condemnation and Heroic Intervention

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence, stating, "This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah," and labeled it an act of terrorism. Authorities highlighted the actions of a bystander, 43-year-old fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, who was filmed tackling one of the gunmen and wrestling away his weapon. Al Ahmed, who sustained gunshot wounds, is recovering in hospital. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns praised him as a "genuine hero" for risking his life to disarm the attacker.