Around 5 p.m., the “Chanukah by the Sea” event starts at Archer Park, a small grassy area behind Bondi Beach. The park is just north of the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club and features picnic shelters and a children’s playground. This annual event celebrates the start of Hanukkah for Bondi’s large Jewish community and was promoted on social media.
A video from the event shows a festive atmosphere with families and children’s activities, including a petting zoo.
At approximately 6:40 p.m., the alleged gunmen, Naveed Akram and his father Sajid Akram, park a silver hatchback on Campbell Parade, about 15 meters from a footbridge leading to Archer Park—a popular walking route from North Bondi to the beach.
Armed with high-powered rifles, they walk toward a stone footbridge overlooking the park. Naveed is dressed in all black, while Sajid wears a black long-sleeved shirt and white trousers. They allegedly begin firing at people from about 50 meters away.
The first emergency call to NSW police and ambulance services is made around 6:43 p.m.
Video footage from across Campbell Parade captures the early moments of the attack. Naveed is seen firing north from the footbridge toward the Hanukkah celebration, while Sajid stands on Campbell Parade firing south along the footpath. Sirens and screams are heard, but no police or ambulances are yet on the scene.
People flee from the gunfire, taking cover behind cars. As the gunmen approach, those sheltering in a staircase run away, with the pair firing over them. One rifle appears to be left on the bridge.
Sajid then descends a staircase at the end of the footbridge and moves toward the park, while Naveed continues firing from the bridge. Naveed later walks back toward Campbell Parade, waving people away without shooting at them.
As Sajid fires toward the celebration, an unarmed man, Ahmed al-Ahmed, uses a car for cover, creeps up on Sajid, and lunges at his neck and arms, disarming him. Ahmed then threatens Sajid with the weapon before placing it at the base of a tree.
Around 6:47 p.m., after being disarmed, Sajid walks back up the footbridge steps. The first police shots are fired toward the assailants. Sajid stops halfway up, and after another shot, he falls. Naveed ducks behind the stone railing.
Both men crouch behind the railing, firing north toward the Hanukkah event as gunfire is returned. After one shot, Sajid suddenly collapses to the ground.
Naveed stands over his father and continues firing south from the bridge, with incoming gunfire audible.
At about 6:50 p.m., Naveed stands to shoot. A volley of return fire is heard, and he crumples to the ground, moving briefly before lying still.
Afterward, unarmed bystanders approach the footbridge. One man, on the western side…From the footbridge, a man can be seen waving to police, signaling them to come. Another man approaching from the eastern side raises his hands in the air, then ducks as another shot rings out.
Police officers with weapons drawn approach from both sides of the bridge. A scuffle appears to break out between two civilians, seemingly over confusion that the first man on the bridge was another attacker.
Minutes later, more police swarm the footbridge, attempting to keep the public back. They begin performing CPR on Naveed.
After the attack, more than 100 ambulance officers are dispatched to Bondi Beach. Ambulances transport 42 patients to hospitals across Sydney. Surf lifesavers on the beach and at neighbouring surf clubs provide first aid.
At 7:37pm, NSW police announce: “Two people are in police custody at Bondi Beach; however, the police operation is ongoing and we continue to urge people to avoid the area. Please obey ALL police directions. Do not cross police lines.”
Later, around 8pm, NSW police raid the Akrams’ home in Bonnyrigg. Both shooters had been staying at an address in Campsie in the days before the attack. At 9:36pm, NSW police declare the attack a terrorist incident.
At 10:13pm, police announce they have found improvised explosive devices in the shooters’ car. Bomb disposal experts defuse the devices.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addresses the country at 10:19pm, describing the attack as “an act of evil antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the visual guide A Night of Terror Unfolds in Bondi designed to answer questions from general to more specific
General Understanding
Q What is this Visual Guide A Night of Terror Unfolds in Bondi about
A Its a detailed often graphical breakdown of the tragic stabbing attack that occurred at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre in Sydney on April 13 2024 It explains what happened where and when stepbystep
Q Is this just a news article
A No its more than that While based on news reporting a visual guide focuses on making the sequence of events and geography easier to understand through visuals rather than just text
Q Why create a visual guide for such a distressing event
A To provide clarity amidst confusion In fastmoving chaotic events visual guides can help the public understand the scope location and timeline accurately which can counter misinformation and help people process what occurred
Content Details
Q What specific information does the guide typically include
A It usually includes a timeline of the attack from start to finish a map of the shopping centre showing key locations photos or descriptions of the victims and heroes involved and details about the police response
Q Does it show graphic or disturbing images
A Reputable visual guides are careful to inform without sensationalizing They may show police activity maps or portraits of those involved but typically avoid showing graphic violence or victims out of respect for the affected families
Q Who are the key people mentioned in the guide
A The guide will reference the attacker the victims who lost their lives those injured and the police inspector who confronted and shot the attacker It highlights both the tragedy and the acts of courage
Purpose Use
Q Whats the benefit of readingviewing this compared to watching news clips
A It consolidates verified information into one easytofollow narrative News clips can be fragmented and repetitive a visual guide gives you the complete structured picture at your own pace
Q Is this guide suitable for children
