On the evening of December 14, 2025, a shooting occurred at Bondi Beach, where a crowd was celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, a significant Jewish festival. The incident led to at least 12 deaths and 29 injuries, including two police officers who are in critical condition. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that one of the alleged shooters is 24-year-old Naveed Akram from Bonnyrigg, Sydney. Following the attack, police conducted a raid on Akram's residence as part of the ongoing investigation.

Lanyon emphasized the necessity of allowing law enforcement to perform their duties without public calls for retribution, noting that Akram had not previously been on the police's radar. The attack has been described as a targeted assault on Sydney's Jewish community, with Premier Chris Minns confirming the death toll. Akram, originally from Lahore, Pakistan, was reportedly a student at Sydney's al-Murad Institute. During the attack, one of the gunmen was killed at the scene, while Akram was hospitalized in critical condition. Authorities are exploring the possibility of additional suspects or accomplices.

The police have classified the incident as a terrorist attack, especially after the discovery of improvised explosive devices in a vehicle at the scene. Lanyon acknowledged the bravery of a bystander who intervened during the attack, managing to disarm one of the shooters. However, Akram allegedly continued to fire after fleeing the initial confrontation. Details regarding the firearms used in the attack have not been disclosed, although they have been confirmed as long arms. This tragic event underscores the ongoing challenges related to violence and security in public spaces, particularly during communal celebrations.