Australian surf lifesavers stood along Bondi Beach and observed a three-minute silence to honour the 15 people killed when gunmen opened fire at a seaside Jewish festival on December 14. The elder suspect, Sajid Akram, was killed in a police shootout; his 24-year-old son, Naveed, faces terrorism and murder charges. Lifeguards were praised for daring rescue efforts, and Australia will observe a national day of reflection with candle lighting at 6:47 pm on December 21.
Bondi Lifeguards Hold Three-Minute Silence for Victims of Festival Shooting
Australian lifeguards held three minutes of silence for everyone impacted by the December 14 Bondi Beach shooting (DAVID GRAY)(DAVID GRAY/AFP/AFP)
Australian surf lifesavers gathered along the shoreline of Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach on Saturday and observed a three-minute silence to honour the 15 people killed when gunmen opened fire at a seaside Jewish festival.
Tribute at Bondi
Hundreds of rescuers lined the water's edge down the length of the beach, six days after one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australia's history. Facing the ocean in their red-and-yellow uniforms, lifeguards stood in silence; some embraced or wiped away tears as a surf lifesaving helicopter hovered overhead.
Suspects and Charges
Authorities say the elder suspect, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was killed in a shootout with police. His 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, survived and has been charged with multiple counts, including terrorism and 15 counts of murder.
Rescue Efforts Praised
Lifeguards at Bondi have been widely commended for their actions during the December 14 attack: pulling people to safety, applying first aid, performing resuscitation and rescuing panicked swimmers from the surf. A widely shared photograph captured lifeguard Jackson Doolan running barefoot from nearby Tamarama toward Bondi carrying a defibrillator to assist victims.
“We pay respects to those who lost their lives, those who risked their lives, those who worked so hard to save lives, and all of us who will never forget,”
— a joint statement from Bondi's two lifesaving clubs reflected the community's grief and solidarity.
National Day Of Reflection
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged Australians to mark a national day of reflection on Sunday, encouraging people to light candles at 6:47 pm (0747 GMT) — exactly one week after the attack.
About Surf Lifesaving
Australia's volunteer surf lifesaving movement began on Sydney's ocean beaches in the early 20th century. Today it has more than 200,000 members nationwide and recorded over 8,000 rescues in the past year, underscoring the role volunteers play in beach safety and community response.
