On Dec. 19, thousands gathered at Bondi Beach to paddle out and form heart and ring formations in a tribute to the victims of a Dec. 14 Hanukkah mass shooting that killed 15 and hospitalized 41. Authorities identified two suspects—50-year-old Sajid Akram, who died at the scene, and his 24-year-old son, who has been charged with 59 offences including murder and terrorism-related counts. The incident has been declared terror-related by NSW police, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a gun buyback plan and tougher firearm laws.
Thousands Paddle Out at Bondi Beach to Honor Hanukkah Mass Shooting Victims
Cameron Spencer/GettyThousands pay tribute to the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting with huge paddle-out
Thousands of surfers, paddle-boarders, swimmers and onlookers gathered at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Friday, Dec. 19, to pay tribute to victims of the mass shooting at a nearby Hanukkah event five days earlier.
Cameron Spencer/GettyThousands pay tribute to the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting with huge paddle-out
Visual Tribute and Message of Solidarity
Participants entered the water and arranged themselves into rings and a heart-shaped formation about 500 feet from the scene of the shooting, while larger crowds watched from the sand. Organizers described the paddle-out as an effort to "spread light, love, compassion and unity," to remember the lives lost, pray for those recovering and to thank first responders, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Cameron Spencer/GettyThousands pay tribute to the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting with huge paddle-out
Attack, Suspects and Legal Response
The Dec. 14 attack left 15 people dead and 41 others hospitalized, including four children. Authorities identified two suspects: 50-year-old Sajid Akram, who was shot by police and died at the scene, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed (also reported as Naveed Akram), who was critically injured and later charged.
DAVID GRAY / AFP via GettyAuthorities are pictured at the scene after the Bondi Beach shooting
New South Wales police have charged the 24-year-old with multiple offences. Officials say he faces a total of 59 charges, including murder and terrorism-related offences. Police also confirmed that two officers exchanged fire with the attackers and that two officers were wounded during the response.
Shooting suspect Naveed Akram
Firearms, Policy And Official Reactions
Reporting by the BBC and the ABC indicates the older suspect held a category AB firearms licence that permitted possession of long-arm weapons and legally owned multiple firearms. Authorities say he had access to several guns.
"Right now, there are more guns in Australia than there were during Port Arthur. We can’t allow that to continue," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on Facebook as he announced a gun buyback scheme and plans to work with states and territories on tougher firearm laws.
Victims, Injured Officers And Investigation
Police reported that around 20 patients remain in hospital across several Sydney facilities. Officers said the victims who died are being formally identified; their ages are believed to range from 10 to 87. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has declared the incident terror-related.
One of the officers shot was identified as 22-year-old constable Jack Hibbert, who sustained two gunshot wounds and has lost sight in one eye as a result of his injuries. He is expected to undergo further surgeries and a lengthy recovery.
The Bondi paddle-out was organized as a public act of solidarity with the Jewish community and others affected by the attack, while federal and state leaders consider legislative and buyback measures in response to the deadliest shooting in Australia in decades.
