Bondi Beach Horror: Father and Son Identified as Suspects in Deadly Hanukkah Terror Attack

New South Wales Police said the shooting occurred during “Chanukah by the Sea,” a well-attended Hanukkah event drawing families and visitors to the beachfront. As celebratory activities were underway, shots rang out, triggering panic as attendees fled the beach and nearby streets in fear. Emergency services rushed to the scene as chaos unfolded across the crowded public space.

Investigators later identified the two alleged gunmen as a father and son, reportedly from Pakistan, according to CBS News, citing U.S. intelligence officials briefed on the matter. Police said the older suspect, a 50-year-old man, was shot dead by officers at the scene. His 24-year-old son sustained critical injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains under police guard.

Authorities confirmed that no other attackers were involved. Of the 16 people who lost their lives, police said one was the deceased assailant. The remaining victims were members of the public attending the religious celebration. The incident has sent shockwaves through Australia and drawn international attention due to its scale and its targeting of a religious community.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon told reporters on Monday that the investigation had progressed significantly overnight, allowing police to confirm the identities of the suspects and details surrounding the weapons used. He stated that officers were no longer searching for additional suspects, indicating that the threat had been contained.

In a further alarming development, Commissioner Lanyon revealed that two active improvised explosive devices were located near the attack site. Specialist police units safely rendered both devices inert, preventing what authorities said could have led to further loss of life.

The attack has intensified concerns about public safety at large-scale community events and has prompted renewed scrutiny of extremist violence in Australia. As investigators continue to piece together the motive and planning behind the assault, the tragedy stands as one of the deadliest acts of mass violence in the country’s recent history, leaving a grieving community and nation searching for answers.