Sydney Bondi Beach Attack: IED Found In Car Linked To Shooter, Cops Call It ‘Act Of Terror’

Last Updated:December 14, 2025, 19:49 IST

The attack, declared as an "act of terror", prompted condemnation from national leaders, community groups, and international figures.

Two gunmen dressed in black firing multiple shots on a bridge at Bondi Beach in Sydney. (AFP)

Bondi Beach Shooting: Australian Police on Sunday said that they had discovered an improvised explosive device (IED) in a car linked to one of the suspects involved in the mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach that left at least 12 people dead and several others injured.

The attack, declared as an “act of terror", prompted condemnation from national leaders, community groups, and international figures.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said, “We have found an improvised explosive device in a car which is linked to the deceased offender," news agency AFP reported.

The shooter, identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram, along with other gunman, opened fire on a crowd of nearly 1,000–2,000 attendees at the Hanukkah event on Sunday in what police described as a targeted attack on Jewish Australians. As per local media reports, over 50 shots were fired as panic erupted across the beachfront, forcing people to flee or shelter indoors.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with abandoned belongings scattered across the sand and grassy hills overlooking the beach.

“We heard the shots. It was shocking. It felt like 10 minutes of just bang, bang, bang," said Camilo Diaz, a 25-year-old student from Chile. “It seemed like a powerful weapon."

Another witness told AFP he saw “six dead or wounded people lying on the beach," while local resident Harry Wilson, 30, told the Sydney Morning Herald that there were “at least 10 people on the ground and blood everywhere."

Emergency services transported at least 29 people to hospitals from the beach, one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, New South Wales police said. One of the alleged attackers was killed at the scene, while the second was taken to hospital in critical condition. Investigators continued to secure the area and examine the vehicle as part of the probe.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, addressing the nation, condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling it “an act of evil, antisemitism and terrorism."

“This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy and celebration of faith," Albanese said. “An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian."

(With inputs from agencies)

News world Sydney Bondi Beach Attack: IED Found In Car Linked To Shooter, Cops Call It ‘Act Of Terror’

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