Father, son behind deadly terror attack on Jewish celebration in Australia that killed 15: police

The 50-year-old father was killed by police while the 24-year-old son has been hospitalized.

Published: December 14, 2025 6:01pm

Updated: December 15, 2025 1:55pm

Police said a man and his adult son carried out the deadly terror attack this weekend on a Jewish holiday celebration at one of Australia's most famous beaches as the death toll rose to 15 victims.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon told reporters Monday a 50-year-old man and his 24-year-old son were the gunmen behind the attack. The father is dead, while the son is in critical condition, he said.

The commissioner said the victims ranged in age from 10 to 87.

Initial figures stated that 11 had died, with a further 29 sustaining injuries, though several ultimately succumbed to their wounds, according to the Associated Press. The death toll rose Sunday, however, to 15.

The incident saw the gunmen target a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's Bondi Beach. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since criticized the Australian government over its handling of antisemitism.

“What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores in an iconic Australian location, Bondi Beach, that is associated with joy, associated with families gathering, associated with celebrations,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said of the incident.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

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