Bondi Beach attack leaves at least 15 dead; authorities identify father‑son suspects

An attack at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration left at least 15 people dead, authorities said Sunday, in what investigators are treating as a terrorism incident possibly inspired by ISIS. Police identified a father and son as the gunmen; the father was killed at the scene, and the son was shot by officers and taken to a hospital for treatment. The surviving suspect has been charged with dozens of offenses, including 15 counts of murder, authorities said.

Bondi Beach and its surroundings were crowded with families and visitors when the assault occurred on Sunday evening in New South Wales. Investigators described a chaotic scene as people fled and emergency crews moved in to treat the wounded. The attack, which targeted a Hanukkah candle-lighting event, stunned Australia and drew condolences from leaders nationwide.

Seven families released statements in the days after the attack, detailing the lives of those who were lost. Marika Pogany, 82, a member of COA Sydney, was described by her family as "loving" and a "beautiful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and steadfast friend," whose warmth and energy touched countless lives. The Pogany family said she came to Australia in 1968 from Czechoslovakia and became a citizen in 1972, adding that her light would continue to shine through those she loved. The statement concluded with a heartfelt tribute: "Forever our gorgeous Darlink."

Adam Smyth, 50, described by his family as a devoted husband and father of four, was killed while walking on Bondi Beach with his wife when the gunfire began. His family said, "No words can describe the pain of our loss. Adam and Katrina were living their best lives together. Their shared love of family and friends, travel and sport — if not always the same team — made their time together truly special." They added, "You’ll never walk alone."

Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, were a Russian-Jewish couple who confronted one of the gunmen before the attack began, momentarily disarming him before he killed them. The Gurman family said the couple were preparing to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary and Sofia’s birthday in the days after the attack. They described Boris as a retired mechanic and Sofia as a longtime Australia Post employee, adding that the couple lived honest, hardworking lives and were well known for their kindness and willingness to help others.

Dan Elkayam, a 27-year-old French national, was playing football at Bondi Beach and celebrating Hanukkah when he was killed. Elkayam’s family said he loved life and traveled the world; he was a certified scuba diver who enjoyed nature and making friends wherever he went. They urged that his memory be used to spread kindness and compassion in his name.

Boris Tetleroyd was remembered by his family as a "gentle man" who was deeply loved by his sons Yaakov and Roman, his wife Svetlana, and extended family. Tetleroyd’s relatives highlighted his warmth and his gifts as a musician, noting the profound loss felt by those who knew him.

Alex Kleytman, 87, was a Holocaust survivor from Ukraine who died while celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach with his wife, Larisa, also a Holocaust survivor. The Kleytman family said he was a person of many talents and an unwavering spirit, who survived World War II in frozen Siberia and went on to work as a civil engineer and estimator. They described him as deeply devoted to protecting his wife and to celebrating the Festival of Lights, a memory they said would continue to illuminate future generations.

The attack, which authorities have said appeared to be terrorism-linked and possibly inspired by ISIS, prompted a broad security response and ongoing investigations by Australian police and federal authorities as they work to determine a fuller timeline and motive. Officials have not publicly disclosed all details of the shooting or the specific charges facing the surviving suspect, but reports indicate the case centers on multiple counts related to the deaths and injuries.

As families grieve, the community and nation are left searching for answers about how such violence took place at a public, celebratory moment. Investigators have stressed that the investigation remains active as officers review surveillance footage, recover evidence, and assess whether accomplices or networks were involved. In the days ahead, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the motive, connections, and potential security measures being considered in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack.