Police have confirmed that the two gunmen behind the horrifying Bondi Beach attack were a father and son.
The attackers were identified as a 50 year old man and his 24 year old son. The older suspect was shot and died at the scene after police opened fire, while his son was left in critical condition and remains under medical care.
The brazen attack in Sydney left 16 people dead, including a 10 year old girl. At least 40 others remain in hospital, with five reported to be fighting for their lives.
Police said the father was a licensed firearms holder and had six weapons registered in his name. All six firearms were recovered during the investigation.
“As part of the investigation, we conducted two search warrants last night, one at Bonnyrigg and a second at Campsie,” police said. “The 50 year old male is a licensed firearms holder, he has six firearms licensed to him.”
Authorities also confirmed that two rudimentary explosive devices were found at the scene and safely removed for deactivation. Investigators said they are still working to establish the motive behind the gun rampage but ruled out the possibility of a third suspect.
“There was also no indication to indicate that either of the men involved in yesterday’s attack was planning the attack that happened yesterday,” police said.
New South Wales police commissioner Mal Lanyon said authorities had little prior intelligence on the suspects. “There was very little knowledge of these two men,” Lanyon said. “The older man had a licence for around 10 years, without any reported incidents.”
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese described the shooting as an act of terrorism and antisemitism.
“An act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores in an iconic Australian location, Bondi Beach,” he said. “Yesterday was indeed a dark day in our nation’s history. But we as a nation are stronger than the cowards who did this.”
Police confirmed that at least 15 people, excluding the deceased gunman, were killed during the attack, which targeted a Jewish event celebrating Hanukkah. Victims include a 10 year old girl, a London born rabbi, an Israeli man and a French citizen. Three children were among those injured.
Witnesses said the two suspects stepped out of a vehicle on Campbell Parade near the Bondi Pavilion and opened fire at about 6.45 pm. Around 200 people had gathered at the beach for the Hanukkah celebration at the time.
Shocking footage showed police officers engaging the attackers and eventually neutralising the older suspect after an exchange of gunfire.
Video clips also captured a moment of extraordinary bravery as a bystander tackled one of the gunmen, disarmed him and attempted to turn the weapon back on him before placing it aside. Another video showed hundreds of beachgoers fleeing in panic as gunshots echoed across the area.
World leaders condemned the attack and paid tribute to the victims.
