SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese clarified the immigration status of the two suspects involved in the deadly Bondi Beach shooting, describing the attack as an act of antisemitic terrorism. Fifteen people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed when a father and son opened fire at a Hanukkah event on Sunday, December 14.
Read More: Deadly shooting rocks Sydney’s bondi beach
In a detailed statement, Albanese confirmed that the younger gunman is an Australian-born citizen, while the father arrived in 1998 on a student visa and later transferred to a partner visa. Since then, he has repeatedly travelled overseas on resident return visas. The older gunman was killed by police at the scene, while his 24-year-old son remains in critical condition in hospital.
‘The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary, including the need for tougher gun laws.’
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemns the shooting at Bondi Beach and declares the next steps his government will take.https://t.co/gWF6JXdgOg
📺 Sky 501 pic.twitter.com/wcjw2GLrCF
— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 15, 2025
BIGGEST COP OUT EVER.
BREAKING — Australia, Bondi Beach
Australian Prime Minister refers to mass shooting / terror event at Bondi Beach as “shocking and distressing”
This is a treasonous leader who has forced nearly 2 million immigrants into a country THATS ALREADY STRUGGLING pic.twitter.com/8afdXOdJ9c
— Aus Integrity (@QBCCIntegrity) December 14, 2025
The attack, the deadliest in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, has reignited calls for stricter gun control. The Port Arthur massacre, which left 35 dead, had prompted sweeping reforms in firearm laws across the country.
Prime Minister Albanese condemned the attack, calling it a targeted act of hate against Jewish Australians. He also pledged to tighten gun regulations further to prevent such tragedies in the future, emphasizing the need to protect communities from violent attacks.
Authorities continue to investigate the motives and circumstances surrounding the shooting. Meanwhile, local residents and national leaders have praised the quick response of police and civilians who helped protect and evacuate victims during the incident.
Read More: ‘Dark Day’ for Australia as 12 killed in Bondi Beach shooting
The Bondi Beach tragedy has sparked national debate over security measures, firearm ownership, and how best to safeguard public spaces during religious and cultural events.