Gunmen Behind Terror Attack at Hanukkah Event in Australia Were Father, 50, and Son, 24, Police Say

Police in Australia say the two men behind the deadly attack at Bondi Beach were a father and his adult son.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the shooters were ages 50 and 24, according to BBC News and Sky News. Lanyon said the 50-year-old died at the scene, while the 24-year-old was hospitalized in critical condition. The older man was a licensed firearms holder and had six firearms registered in his name, per the BBC.

Authorities say the shooting began around 6:47 p.m. local time on Sunday, Dec. 14, when two gunmen opened fire on a crowd gathered in Archer Park at Bondi Beach in Sydney. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns first announced details during a press conference. Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87, the outlets reported.

The incident happened as members of the Jewish community gathered for Chanukah (Hanukkah) by the Sea, a beach festival held on the first night of the eight-day holiday and attended by families and children, News.com.au reported.

New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that the death toll rose from 12 to 16, including a 10-year-old girl. At least 40 people were injured.

One shooter was identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram of Sydney, ABC and Sky News reported.

Lanyon also said police recovered explosive devices believed to be linked to the gunmen from a vehicle at the scene, adding that officers later “rendered [the explosives] safe.” He said six firearms were found at Bondi Beach. Police have since searched two properties in the western Sydney suburbs of Campsie and Bonnyrigg as the investigation continues.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as “an act of pure evil” during a press conference on Monday. Calling it “an act of antisemitism” and “an act of terrorism” at an iconic location, Albanese said flags would be flown at half mast across the country, per Sky News. He added that Australia “will never submit to division, violence or hatred,” and urged unity in the aftermath.

A local man has been widely praised for intervening during the chaos, with witnesses saying he tackled one of the shooters and disarmed him.

In witness footage obtained by the Daily Mail, a male bystander — identified as Ahmed al Ahmed by a family member, per 7 NEWS — can be seen taking cover behind a parked car near one of the gunmen before rushing forward to wrestle him to the ground. The man then appears to seize the firearm and aim it back toward the attackers.

Minns called the bystander “a genuine hero,” saying his actions likely saved many lives. Al Ahmed’s cousin, Mustafa, told the outlet that he was hospitalized with two gunshot wounds. “He’s a hero,” Mustafa said. “100%, he’s a hero.”