New South Wales authorities have classified Sunday’s shooting at Bondi Beach as a terrorist incident targeting the Jewish community. Premier Chris Minns said on 15 December that 16 people had been confirmed dead - 15 victims and one perpetrator - and 42 people were in hospital, with victims aged between 10 and 87. Police identified the suspected attackers as a 50‑year‑old man and his 24‑year‑old son. The attack occurred during a Hanukkah gathering on 14 December.
Dashcam vision circulating widely shows Boris Gurman, 69, wrestling a firearm from one of the gunmen on Campbell Parade before being shot; his wife, Sofia, 61, is seen attempting to help. Their family later confirmed their deaths and paid tribute to their courage. Local reporting says they were among the earliest victims of the assault.
Relatives described Mr Gurman as a retired mechanic known for quiet acts of support, and Mrs Gurman as an Australia Post employee valued by colleagues. The couple had been married for 34 years and were long‑time Bondi residents, according to statements carried by Guardian Australia.
Civilians also intervened elsewhere at the scene. Ahmed al‑Ahmed, a 43‑year‑old shopkeeper, tackled and disarmed one gunman and is recovering in hospital after surgery; leaders have publicly praised his actions and donations in his name have surged. Businessman Reuven Morrison, 62, confronted an attacker and was fatally shot. Police and witnesses say such interventions likely reduced the toll.
Police have alleged the assailants were Sajid Akram, 50, and his son, Naveed, 24. Mr Akram was shot dead at the scene; his son remains in hospital under guard and, according to officials on 16 December, has regained consciousness and is expected to face charges subject to medical advice.
Investigators say early assessments indicate the pair were inspired by Islamic State ideology. NSW Police stated that improvised explosive devices and two homemade IS flags were located in a vehicle linked to the suspects. Islamic State is a listed terrorist organisation in Australia under the Commonwealth Criminal Code.
NSW Police activated Operation Shelter to reassure and protect Jewish community sites, with a highly visible presence at synagogues and communal venues. Commissioners briefed that 328 officers were deployed on Monday morning. The Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) - comprising the AFP, NSW Police, ASIO and the NSW Crime Commission - is leading the investigation.
Licensing is under scrutiny after police said the elder suspect held six licensed firearms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signalled tighter gun controls and better data‑sharing, with National Cabinet briefed on options following the attack.
Officials in Manila confirmed both men travelled to the Philippines from 1 to 28 November with Davao listed as the destination. Australian and Philippine authorities are examining whether any contacts or activities during the trip were relevant to the attack; the Philippines’ National Security Council has said there is, at present, no confirmation of training.
Vigils were held in Sydney and Melbourne, and blood donations reached record levels, according to officials and local media reports. Community leaders continued Hanukkah observances at Bondi Pavilion in a show of resilience while investigations proceed.
For policy teams, the immediate points to track are the terrorism classification and evidence threshold; the use of special police powers and enhanced protection postures; potential amendments to firearms licensing drawing on intelligence as well as criminal histories; and any cross‑border findings from the Philippines leg of the inquiry. Each carries operational and community‑safety consequences that ministers have already flagged for action.