Bondi Beach shooting live: Australia to discuss gun laws after 15 killed

SYDNEY — Australian authorities are preparing to urgently review the country’s gun laws after a deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, left at least 15 people dead and dozens injured during a Hanukkah celebration, officials said Monday. Al Jazeera+

The incident unfolded Sunday evening at a crowded public event near Bondi Beach’s park area, where families and visitors had gathered to mark the start of the Jewish Festival of Lights. Police and emergency services responded to multiple reports of gunfire, triggering a swift and large-scale security operation

New South Wales Police have identified the alleged attackers as a father and son duo. The older gunman, 50, was killed by police during the response, while the 24-year-old son was critically injured and taken into custody under guard. Authorities confirmed the firearms used were legally owned under existing Australian licensing laws.

Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, labelled the attack a “shocking act of terror” and announced that national leaders will convene to discuss possible reforms to the country’s firearms legislation. The Cabinet meeting, expected later Monday, will explore proposals to tighten licensing requirements and place new limits on the number and type of guns that a licensed individual can own.

“People’s circumstances can change, and licenses should not last indefinitely,” Albanese told reporters, highlighting concerns that current monitoring and review mechanisms may be insufficient to prevent such attacks.

The tragedy, one of the deadliest in recent Australian memory and the most severe since the notorious Port Arthur massacre in 1996, has sparked intense debate over whether existing gun laws are still effective or require revision to meet evolving threats.

At least 40 people remain in the hospital with injuries ranging from serious to critical, including children and elderly victims. Community leaders have called for unity and enhanced security measures, while advocating for careful but decisive action from lawmakers.

A bystander who intervened and disarmed one of the gunmen has been praised as a hero by residents. As Australia mourns, the push for legislative reform has gained fresh urgency, with many calling for a comprehensive national dialogue on gun control and public safety.