Australia announced plans for stricter gun regulations following a tragic mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where a father and son allegedly killed 15 people during a Jewish celebration. The incident has sparked discussions about the need to review Australia’s already stringent gun laws, with reports revealing that the elder suspect possessed a firearms license and six registered weapons since 2015.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the government’s decision to enhance gun laws, including the establishment of a national firearms register to address issues such as the number of weapons allowed per license and the validity period of licenses. Albanese emphasized the importance of regularly assessing license holders’ eligibility, considering that circumstances and behaviors can change over time.
Following the shooting, one suspect was fatally shot at the scene, increasing the death toll to 16, while the other suspect, his 24-year-old son, remained in critical condition in the hospital. Among the 40 individuals injured in the attack were two police officers in serious but stable condition, with victims ranging from 10 to 87 years old.
Although the identities of the gunmen were not officially disclosed by the authorities, media reports identified them as Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram. Investigations revealed that the father arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998, while his son is an Australian citizen. The presence of two Islamic State flags in the suspects’ vehicle raised concerns about potential extremist motives behind the attack.
Amidst the chaos, a courageous bystander, Ahmed al Ahmed, intervened by disarming one of the attackers and sustaining gunshot wounds in the process. Hailed as a hero by many, Ahmed underwent surgery for his injuries and is currently recovering in the hospital. A fundraising campaign to support Ahmed’s medical expenses has garnered significant contributions, including a substantial donation from billionaire Bill Ackman.
International leaders, including US President Donald Trump and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, lauded Ahmed’s bravery in thwarting the attack and saving lives. The incident prompted increased security measures in major cities worldwide during Hanukkah events, emphasizing the global impact of such acts of violence.
Authorities are exploring various measures to tighten gun regulations, including restrictions on licenses, limits on the number and types of firearms individuals can possess, and enhanced scrutiny on weapon modifications. Witnesses described the chaotic scene at the beach during the 10-minute attack, highlighting the terror and panic that ensued among the attendees of the Hanukkah celebration.