Bondi Beach attack leaves at least 15 dead as investigators link violence to ISIS inspiration

SYDNEY — At least 15 people were killed in a mass shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday, authorities said, in an attack that a police official described as terrorism carried out during a Hanukkah celebration. Investigators identified the gunmen as a father-and-son duo; the father was killed at the scene, and the son was shot by police and taken to a medical facility. Officials said the attack appeared to be inspired by the Islamic State, though investigators cautioned that the full motive remained under review.

Witnesses described a sudden and chaotic scene as people gathered for a celebration along the popular coastal stretch. Police said the surviving suspect faced dozens of charges, including 15 counts of murder, and was in custody after undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in the confrontation with officers.

Family members of seven victims released statements on Thursday, detailing lives cut short and the impact on their communities. Marika Pogany, 82, described by relatives as a lifelong volunteer with COA Sydney, was remembered as someone whose warmth and energy touched many. “Marika, known lovingly to all as Omi, was a beautiful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and steadfast friend, whose warmth and energy touched countless lives,” her family said, adding that Pogany’s light would live on through those she helped. Adam Smyth, 50, was described by his family as a devoted father of four who cherished time with his wife and children; they said the couple “were living their best lives together” and cited their shared love of family, travel and sport. “No words can describe the pain of our loss,” the Smyth family said, adding that Smyth was “generous and kind” and will be missed as a devoted partner and father.

Boris and Sofia Gurman, a Russian-Jewish couple who confronted one of the gunmen before being killed, were described by their family as deeply devoted to loved ones and known for their kindness. The Gurman family said the couple planned to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary in January and Sofia’s upcoming birthday in the days after the attack, noting their years-long commitment to helping others. “We are deeply grateful for the love and support shown to our family during this unimaginable time,” they wrote. Dan Elkayam, a 27-year-old French national who was celebrating Hanukkah with friends on Bondi Beach, was killed as he tried to escape. His family described him as someone who loved life, traveled widely and formed friendships everywhere he went; they urged others to carry forward the light he spread.

Another victim, Boris Tetleroyd, was described by his family as a gentle man cherished by his sons Yaakov and Roman and by his wife Svetlana. They called him a gifted musician and said he touched many people with his kindness. Alex Kleytman, 87, a Holocaust survivor from Ukraine, was honored by his family for surviving World War II hardships and for his decades of work as a civil engineer and estimator. His relatives said he died protecting his wife, Larisa, and celebrating the Festival of Lights, embodying resilience and a lifelong commitment to family and learning.

The families described their loved ones in deeply personal terms, illustrating the breadth of the community affected by the attack. Pogany’s relatives noted her long-standing service delivering meals and assisting those in need; Smyth’s relatives emphasized a life built around family and community; the Gurmans highlighted a willingness to help others and to stand up for what mattered most to them. Kleytman’s relatives recalled a life marked by curiosity and resilience, and Elkayam’s family spoke of a life lived fully with a passion for the outdoors and sport.

As investigators comb through evidence and seek to understand the precise sequence of events, authorities have not released a full list of victims or a comprehensive timeline of the hours surrounding the assault. Officials stressed that the investigation remains active and that more details will be released as they become available. Community leaders urged calm and solidarity while mourning the losses, and security at public gatherings in Sydney and other Australian cities was stepped up in the immediate aftermath.

The Bondi Beach shooting prompted renewed calls for coordinated counterterrorism efforts and for support services for communities affected by such tragedies. Officials said the broader public safety response remained tuned to prevent further harm while addressing the emotional and cultural impact on families who lost loved ones.

In the wake of the attack, authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing those responsible and to ensuring that communities can resume their daily lives with a sense of safety and support. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on honoring the victims, assisting their families, and providing clear, factual updates to the public.