Australia Mourns Bondi Attack Victims as PM Calls for Intelligence Review

Sun Dec 21 2025 20:10:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the wake of a tragic shooting at Bondi Beach, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces a review of security measures in response to the attack inspired by extremist ideology.

Following a recent attack in Bondi Beach that resulted in the deaths of 15 people during a Jewish festival, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has launched a review into national intelligence and police forces. This comes as the nation observes a day of mourning on the one-week anniversary of the incident, which was attributed to a father-son duo influenced by extremist ideologies. The review's aim is to ensure that agencies are adequately equipped to tackle rising extremism and enhance community safety going forward.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a review into the police and national intelligence agencies following last weekend's Bondi Beach attack.

The ISIS-inspired atrocity last Sunday reinforces the rapidly changing security environment in our nation, Albanese stated. Our security agencies must be in the best position to respond.

A national day of reflection is being held on Sunday to mourn the 15 individuals killed when two gunmen opened fire at a Jewish festival at the popular beach location.

Amidst heightened security, the public will observe a minute of silence at 18:47 PM local time (07:47 GMT), exactly one week after the shooting commenced.

Police allege that the attack, categorized as a terrorist incident, was perpetrated by a father-son duo influenced by Islamic State ideology. Naveed Akram, 24, has been charged with multiple offenses, including 15 counts of murder and committing a terrorist act; his father, Sajid, was killed during the shooting.

Albanese emphasized that the intelligence review, due by April 2026, would assess whether federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies possess the necessary powers, structures, and processes to safeguard Australians following this horrific antisemitic attack.

As part of measures responding to this tragedy, plans have been proposed to tighten gun controls, while New South Wales aims to increase restrictions on hate speech.

Additionally, Bondi will hold a memorial later on Sunday in remembrance of the victims. Governor-General Samantha Mostyn addressed a vigil earlier in the day, emphasizing the importance of inclusion for the Jewish community within Australia. You are part of the belonging story and the success of this country, she expressed.

Despite the somber atmosphere lingering in the community, locals returned to a sense of normalcy, with Bondi promenade filled with surfers, runners, and dog walkers. Lifeguard volunteers, who were instrumental in providing first aid at the shooting scene, have been acknowledged as heroes for their brave actions.

Geraldine Nordfelft, a local resident attending surf club activities, stated: You have to return, you can't stay away, you can't let fear win. The beach is the Australian way of life, and we all love it.