Bondi Beach Shooting Live Updates: Police to Charge Suspect in Hanukkah Attack

Following the mass shooting at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration, police have announced their intention to charge a suspect. The attack, which took place on the famed half-mile crescent of sand, left at least 15 people dead and dozens wounded, with 38 still hospitalized.

Hundreds had gathered for the Hanukkah event when the attackers emerged near a pedestrian bridge from a silver hatchback and began firing, sending gunshots through the crowd as children played and music filled the air.

Danny Ridley, a photographer documenting the event, sustained a minor injury to his left rib when one of the attackers shot at him as he hid behind a parking meter. He described the scene as "carnage."

Police have identified the suspects as a 50-year-old man and his 24-year-old son. The older man was killed by officers at the scene. The younger man is in critical condition, according to a Monday afternoon police statement.

Authorities stated that the father immigrated to Australia in 1998 on a student visa and remained in the country for decades using various visas. His country of origin has not been released. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the son, an Australian-born citizen, first came to the attention of police in 2019 due to his association with others. Police report that neither man had a prior criminal record.

Commissioner Lanyon stated at a Monday news conference that the 50-year-old suspect possessed a recreational hunting license, which allowed him to own a long arm weapon as a member of a gun club.

Commissioner Lanyon confirmed that police are not searching for any additional attackers. Investigators also reported that two improvised explosive devices were found at the scene and successfully disabled.

**Key Developments:**

• Bystander Intervention:** A video verified by The New York Times shows Ahmed el Ahmed tackling one of the attackers and wrestling a long gun from him. Premier Chris Minns of New South Wales called Mr. el Ahmed “a genuine hero,” saying his bravery saved many lives.
• The Victims:** While investigators have not released names, Chabad, the Jewish group that organized the event, identified three victims, including a long-serving Bondi community rabbi. The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed at least one Israeli national was killed and another injured. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that a French citizen was among the dead.
• Rarity of Mass Shootings:** Mass shootings are uncommon in Australia, which has strict gun laws enacted after a 1996 attack that killed 35 people. Investigators said the older suspect had licenses for six guns, and six were recovered from the scene and two searched properties.

Eyewitness accounts detail the chaos and the community's response. One member of the Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club, with military experience, led terrified children to safety when the shooting began. Matias Bengolea, a lifesaver, described the scene as "crazy," with people dressed as Christmas elves performing CPR.

The collaborative emergency response involved locals and immigrants working together. Mr. Bengolea, who moved from Argentina in 2019, expressed hope that the community's response would be remembered longer than the tragedy itself.

Witness accounts also detail the shooters' actions. One woman, identified as Ms. Davidson, recalled the shooters having a "ridiculous amount of ammunition and multiple guns." She and others rushed to help the wounded, describing the scene as a "war zone." David Smith, a volunteer with Community Health Support, assisted in triaging the injured.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the son had come to the attention of law enforcement in 2019, but was not deemed a threat. Police Commissioner Lanyon confirmed that neither man had a known criminal history.