Australia honours Bondi Beach victims, launches probe of security services

Anthony Albanese announces review of Australia’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies after deadly Bondi Beach attack.Published On 21 Dec 2025Australia is observing a National Day of Reflection in tribute to the victims of the gun attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach last week, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing a review into the country’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies.Indigenous leaders began the commemorations on Sunday morning with a traditional smoking ceremony at the waterfront Bondi Pavilion, where an impromptu memorial has grown for the 15 people who were killed while celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Australia PM Albanese launches gun ‘buyback’ plan after Bondi Beach attacklist 2 of 4‘No evidence’ Bondi Beach attackers trained in the Philippines: Officiallist 3 of 4Australia police charge surviving Bondi Beach attacker as first funerals heldlist 4 of 4Will the Bondi Beach shooting change Australia’s gun laws?end of listFlags are being flown at half-mast at government buildings, and a minute of silence will be held at 6:47pm (07:47 GMT), the ​time the attack began.Authorities also invited Australian people to light a candle on Sunday evening, the start of the eighth and final day of the Jewish festival of lights, “as a quiet act of remembrance with family, friends or loved ones” for the victims of the attack, allegedly carried out by a father-son duo.An evening memorial event at Bondi Beach will take place under a heavy police presence, including officers carrying long-arm firearms, police said in a statement.The attack on December 14 was Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since 1996, when an attacker killed 35 people in the state of Tasmania.The authorities are investigating the shooting as an act of “terrorism” targeting Jews.Authorities believe the attackers were inspired by ISIL (ISIS) and said the group’s flags were found in the car the attackers took to Bondi.While suspect Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police at the scene, his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, who was also shot and emerged from a coma on Tuesday, has been charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism. He remains in custody in hospital.