Bondi Beach Suspect Charged With 15 Murder Counts. An accused gunman was formally charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder, after an antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach during Hanukkah left 15 people dead. More than 20 others remain hospitalized and hundreds have attended funerals in Sydney. The incident has prompted intense scrutiny of antisemitism, gun laws and police protections for Jewish events.
Bondi Beach Massacre: Suspect Charged With 15 Murder Counts as Australia Confronts Antisemitism
SYDNEY (AP) — An accused gunman in the Bondi Beach massacre was formally charged Wednesday with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder, as Sydney began holding funerals for the victims of an attack that targeted Jews celebrating Hanukkah.
Two shooters opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach on Sunday, killing 15 people and wounding more than 20 others. Authorities say all of the victims identified so far were Jewish. The accused appeared in court on the 59 charges; investigators continue to examine motive and whether any additional suspects were involved.
Hundreds of mourners gathered across Sydney to begin funeral services for relatives and friends, while the attack has ignited a national debate over antisemitism, gun control and whether police protections at public Jewish events were adequate. Political leaders, community groups and law enforcement have called for thorough investigations and a review of security measures protecting minority communities.
Next Steps: Police and prosecutors are continuing their inquiries and collecting evidence. Officials say further charges could follow as the investigation unfolds. Community leaders have urged swift action to address hate-fueled violence and improve safeguards for religious and cultural events.
Note: Details are evolving as authorities investigate the incident and related arrests.
