Bondi shooting live updates: NSW parliament recalled; some protests could be blocked

3h ago3:16pm

Wrapping up today's coverage

We're going to conclude our live blog coverage for today. Thanks for reading.

Here are the key things we've learned today:

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the NSW government will recall parliament on 22 and 23 December "to deal with urgent legislation".
NSW Health has confirmed 21 people remain in hospital after the Bondi Beach shooting.
Alleged shooter, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, remains in hospital in a critical condition under police guard and is expected to be questioned by police today. His father Sajid Akram died at the scene.
Policeman Jack Hibbert, who was shot twice during the Bondi shooting, has "miraculously" survived but has lost sight in one of his eyes, his family said in a statement.
Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg has visited Bondi Beach, where he laid a bouquet and delivered a strong rebuke of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, accusing his government of abandoning the Jewish community.
Mourners filed into a Bondi synagogue for the funeral of assistant rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was gunned down in Sunday's massacre.
Australian Federal Police Association president Alex Caruana said staff shortages have affected investigations "across the board".
Albanese has paid tribute to slain Russian Jewish couple Boris and Sofia Gurman, calling them "Australian heroes" after they tried to stop one of the alleged attackers as he stepped out of his car.
The federal Opposition has put its contentious migration policy on hold.

4h ago2:28pm

NSW parliament will be recalled next week, Minns says

NSW Premier Chris Minns is speaking to reporters in Sydney now.

He says the NSW government will recall parliament on 22 and 23 December "to deal with urgent legislation that we believe is required pre-Christmas to keep the community safe, and ensure there's unambiguous laws in place when it comes to public safety".

He says the first bill to be dealt with is on firearms legislation. The exact legislation hasn't been drafted but Minns says it will cover a cap on the number of firearms, reclassifying straight shotguns, potentially prohibiting belt-fed magazines in those shotguns and removing NCAT as an appeal mechanism once a designation has been made about withdrawing a licence from the registered authority.

Minns also flagged preemptively banning certain protests on international issues.

"My concern is that a mass demonstration in this combustible situation with our multicultural community could light a flame that would be impossible to extinguish.

"We're looking at reforms whereby when there's a terrorism designation in the state, the police commissioner may not accept applications for protests on the grounds it will both stretch police resources and secondly, add to community disharmony and as a result, a combustible situation in the state."

— Madeleine Wedesweiler

4h ago1:36pm

Images from Frydenberg's address

Some strong images were captured at Josh Frydenberg's emotional address.

Former Liberal MP Josh Frydenberg holds his hand over

Source: SBS

Former Liberal MP Josh Frydenberg holds flowers

Former Liberal MP Josh Frydenberg wipes his face

Source: SBS

5h ago1:24pm

NSW Health update on people injured in the attack

NSW Health has given an update on the conditions of those who were injured in the attack and remain in hospital.

An NSW Health spokesperson said 21 patients are receiving care in several Sydney hospitals, and that patients are continuing to be discharged. Some patients who are discharged may return to hospital for further care, they said.

As of 12pm:

One patient is in a stable condition at Prince of Wales Hospital.
One patient is in a critical but stable condition, and one patient is in a stable condition at St George's Hospital.
One patient is in a stable condition at Sydney Eye Hospital.
Three patients are in a critical condition but stable condition and two patients are in a stable condition at St Vincent's Hospital.
One patient is in a critical condition and four patients are stable at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Two patients are in a stable condition at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick.
Three patients are in a stable condition at Royal North Shore Hospital.
Two patients are in a stable condition at Liverpool Hospital.

— Sherpa Hossainy

5h ago1:03pm

Police officer shot during attack has lost sight in one eye, family says

Policeman Jack Hibbert, who was shot twice during the Bondi shooting, has "miraculously" survived but has lost sight in one of his eyes, his family said in a statement.

Hibbert, 22, a constable who has only been in the NSW Police Force for four months, was patrolling the Hanukkah celebration, interacting with the community when the shooting started.

He was shot in the head and shoulder.

"Jack was taken to ICU where he was intubated and underwent multiple surgeries. Although miraculously surviving, Jack's injuries have resulted in a loss of vision in one of his eyes and he now faces a long and challenging recovery ahead, with additional surgeries required," Hibbert's family said.

Police constable Jack Hibbert's family said he was "driven by a commitment to protect the community, even at great personal cost". Source: Supplied

"Jack is just 22 years old and has only been in the police force for four months. Even so, in the face of a violent and tragic incident, he responded with courage, instinct, and selflessness, continuing to protect and help others whilst injured, until he was physically no longer able to.

"We thank the wider community for their kindness, support, and prayers for Jack and our family during this difficult time."

— Sherpa Hossainy

5h ago12:48pm

Frydenberg accuses Albanese of failing Jewish community during emotional address at Bondi beach

Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg has visited Bondi Beach, where he laid a bouquet and delivered a stinging rebuke of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, accusing his government of abandoning the Jewish community.

"We, as a Jewish community, have been abandoned and left alone by our government," Frydenberg, who is Jewish, said before hundreds of mourners.

"Our governments have failed every Australian when it comes to fighting hate and antisemitism.

"Our prime minister, our government, has allowed Australia to be radicalised on his watch.

"It is time our prime minister accepted accountability for what has happened here and it's time our leaders stood up and led at last."

Frydenberg's anger was palpable during the address, as he called Sunday's attack the "greatest stain on this nation".

"I'm here to mourn, but I am also here to warn," he said.

"Unless our governments, federal and state, take urgent, unprecedented and strong action, as night follows day, we will be back grieving the loss of innocent life in another terrorist attack in our country."

Frydenberg called for a royal commission into antisemitism, with his speech met with applause from onlookers.

He encouraged the government to "ban the hate preachers" following media reporting the linked one of the alleged shooters to an extremist preacher.

"The shooter, here, who did this, was linked to a factory of hate in Bankstown. How can that factory of hate be allowed to open its doors for one day more? I say no, I say never," Frydenberg said.

— Miles Proust

5h ago12:28pm

Hundreds gather in Bondi for rabbi Eli Schlanger's funeral

The first memorial services for those killed in the Bondi Beach shooting are taking place, including for a beloved local rabbi in his home synagogue.

Mourners solemnly filed into a Bondi synagogue for the funeral of assistant rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was gunned down in Sunday's massacre.

Schlanger was one of 15 people killed on Sunday when alleged gunmen Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, fired at scores of people at Sydney's Bondi Beach as they celebrated the Jewish festival of lights.

Hundreds gathered at Schlanger's local synagogue — Chabad of Bondi — to commemorate his life amid a heavy police and security presence, including the complete closure of the road where the funeral is occurring.

Many attendees shed tears as they entered to pay their respects.

A coffin is unloaded from a hearse outside a synagogue.

The synagogue, Chabad of Bondi, is a significant focal point for the sizeable local Jewish community, and was where rabbi Schlanger worked and helped organise the Chanukkah by the Sea event on Sunday. Source: AP / Mark Baker

Ahead of his attendance at the funeral, prominent rabbi Yossi Friedman described Schlanger as a dear friend.

"Such an amazing, incredible man — a beacon of light," Friedman said on Instagram.

Alex Ryvchin, co-chief of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, was seen helping move the rabbi's coffin inside.

Multiple Christian priests attended in a multi-faith show of solidarity.

Opposition leader Sussan Ley attended along with fellow Liberal MP Julian Leeser and local independent MP Allegra Spender.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with the rabbi's family on Tuesday, as well as many of the families of the shooting's other victims.

Five other memorials will take place on Wednesday, including Levitan's.

— Australian Associated Press

6h ago11:56am

AFP staffing shortages affected investigations 'across the board', association president says

Australian Federal Police Association president Alex Caruana says staff shortages have affected investigations "across the board".

Speaking on ABC Radio National on Wednesday, Caruana said Finance Minister Katy Gallagher recently asked all public service departments to find "efficiency dividends".

"An efficiency dividends is effectively a cut," he said.

Caruana said he warned the minister the agency was already underfunded and any cuts would have "dire consequences".

"The AFP is really lean as it is right now," he said.

"Investigations have already been compromised because of the short-funding the government is spending on federal policing."

Asked for an example, Caruana said: "We've got teams where there used to be 21 or so people doing investigations on things like child exploitation, human trafficking, counter terrorism, those resources from most teams have been allocated elsewhere to other jobs."

"So now we don't have two teams of 21. Now we've got one team of about eight trying to do the same amount of workload."

The Australian newspaper reported that AFP leadership were warned last year that staffing shortages were making it impossible to track and monitor terror suspects.

— Miles Proust

7h ago11:21am

Littleproud says parliament should be recalled to pass tougher migration screening laws

Nationals leader David Littleproud has challenged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to recall parliament so tougher migration screening laws can be passed.

Littleproud also said 13 recommendations by special envoy to combat antisemitism Jillian Segal should be debated in parliament before Christmas.

"Look at recommendation nine that Jillian Segal has put around increasing the screening of those that come to this country around extremist views, including antisemitism," he told ABC RN.

"If you want to grab this moment as the leader of this country and show you're up to leading this country, then you've got to show that you're going to do something about it.

"We should also be careful about protecting the legacy of this great country that has been built by our forefathers on immigration. And the people who come here should have our values and our beliefs, and if they don't, they shouldn't be allowed in."

— Miles Proust

7h ago10:53am

Albanese pays tribute to 'Australian heroes' who confronted gunmen

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to slain Russian Jewish couple Boris and Sofia Gurman, calling them "Australian heroes" after they tried to stop one of the alleged attackers as he stepped out of his car.

Dashcam footage from a vehicle driving past showed Boris, 69, tackling Sajid to the ground on Bondi's Campbell Parade and forcing the gun from his hands.

Boris and Sofia Gurman tried to stop one of the alleged attackers as he stepped out of his car. Source: Supplied / GoFundMe

"Boris attacked one of these terrorists as he got out of the car, and that caused Mr and Ms Gurman ... to lose their life," Albanese said outside St Vincent's Hospital on Wednesday.

The prime minister also commended Reuven Morrison, who threw bricks at the alleged gunmen before he was also shot dead.

"These are Australian heroes," he said.

— Miles Proust

8h ago10:14am

Bondi shooter expected to face criminal charges

A man accused of carrying out the deadly terror attack on Bondi Beach is expected to be questioned by police today.

One of the alleged shooters, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was shot and killed by police during the assault. The other alleged shooter, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, remains in hospital in a critical condition under police guard.

The younger Akram awoke from his coma on Tuesday afternoon, NSW Police commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed.

Officers would have to wait for his medication to wear off before questioning the gunman and Lanyon said he expected Akram would be charged later on Wednesday.

— Cecilia Lindgren

8h ago10:05am

Indian police reportedly unaware of alleged gunman's 'radicalisation'

The Indian family of one of the alleged Bondi gunmen were unaware of his "radicalisation", Indian police have reportedly revealed.

Sajid Akram, 50, was originally from the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, according to Reuters, citing a statement from Indian police.

He reportedly obtained a commerce degree in India before moving to Australia in 1998, where he married and had two children — including his son and alleged co-offender Naveed Akram, 24.

Indian police reportedly said it was unaware of Sajid's "radicalisation", it appeared unconnected with India, and they had no "adverse record" of him before he left the country.

"The family members have expressed no knowledge of his radical mindset or activities, nor of the circumstances that led to his radicalisation," the statement said.

"The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed, appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana."

— Miles Proust

9h ago8:43am

First funerals for Bondi attack victims to be held in Sydney

The first funerals for victims of the Bondi terror attack will start on Wednesday, three days after alleged gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah event.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger and Rabbi Yaakov Levitan will be buried shortly after services on Wednesday.

The religious leaders were among 15 killed when alleged gunmen Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, fired at scores of people at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday night as they celebrated the Jewish festival of lights.

A rabbi putting his hands on the heads of two children.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger is among the first of the Bondi victims to be laid to rest. Source: AAP / Supplied

Schlanger's funeral will be held at Chabad of Bondi, just a kilometre away from the attack site, while Levitan's service will take place at Macquarie Park in Sydney's north.

Jews are traditionally buried within 24 hours from time of death, but coronial investigations has meant funerals are being held later.

Levitan has been remembered as a devoted husband and father.

Similarly, Schlanger — who helped organise the Hanukkah event targeted by the gunmen — left behind a wife and five young children, including a two-month-old baby.

— Australian Associated Press

9h ago8:29am

Three patients remain in critical condition

NSW Health has confirmed that as of 8am, three patients from the Bondi Beach shooting remain in a "critical condition", with six in "critical but stable" conditions.

"There are currently twenty-two patients receiving care," it said in an update.

"Patients continue to be discharged. Some patients who are discharged may return to hospital for further care."

One patient is in a stable condition at Prince of Wales Hospital.
One patient is in critical but stable condition, and one is stable at St George's Hospital.
One patient is in a stable condition at Sydney Eye Hospital.
Two patients are in a critical condition, and three patients are in a critical but stable condition at St Vincent's Hospital.
One patient is in a critical condition, two patients are in a critical but stable condition, and three patients are stable at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Two patients are in a stable condition at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick.
Three patients are in a stable condition at Royal North Shore Hospital.
Two patients are in a stable condition at Liverpool Hospital.

— Cecilia Lindgren

10h ago8:18am

Chalmers says gun law reform and antisemitism can be tackled at the same time

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has hit back at former prime minister John Howard's comments that gun law reform was a "diversion" from tackling antisemitism.

Speaking on ABC's AM show on Wednesday, Chalmers said the government could address both issues at the same time.

"The PM doesn't see this as an either-or. And frankly, in relation to Mr Howard, I don't know why in the wake of a mass shooting, some politicians, some current and some former, are trying to diminish our efforts to tighten our gun laws," he said.

"John Howard, of all people, should understand how important this is. We are capable of dealing with both serious issues at once."

Chalmers said he understood there was anger in the Jewish community.

"We understand emotions are raw and for good reason," he said.

"This was a horrific, evil act of antisemitism in one of our most iconic communities. And so I understand that people are hurting. I think the whole country is hurting. And it needs to be said that we can always do more and we should always do more. But the government has acted on a number of the Segal report recommendations. We've also taken some very decisive steps to combat antisemitism."

Chalmers cited banning the Nazi salute, criminalising doxing, extra money for security and legislation around hate speech as some of the steps the government had taken.

— Miles Proust

10h ago8:17am

Leeser says 'white hot anger' in Bondi community

Federal MP Julian Leeser, who is Jewish, says there is "white hot anger" in the Bondi community over the massacre.

Speaking on Nine's Today show, Leeser revealed he would attend one of the funerals held on Wednesday.

"People are angry that this happened in the first place, because the community has been warning for years that what starts with antisemitic words and led to firebombings of synagogues and childcare centres would ultimately lead to the death of people in a murderous terrorist act that we saw on Sunday night."

— Miles Proust

10h ago8:16am

Australian Syrian Alliance condemns Bondi shooting, expresses solidarity with Jewish community

The Australian Syrian Alliance has condemned the mass shooting at Bondi Beach, expressing solidarity with the Jewish community.

A statement from the alliance has condemned all forms of hatred and violence, saying antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in Australia.

The group also praised Ahmed Al-Ahmed, the Syrian Australian who risked his life to disarm one of the alleged gunmen.

The alliance said his actions represent the best of Australia, adding that Syrian Australians of all backgrounds are proud to contribute to Australia's shared safety.

11h ago7:21am

Amandeep ate a kebab as the sun set — then helped stop one of the alleged Bondi shooters

On Sunday evening, Amandeep Singh-Bola went out to get a kebab and watch as the sun set over Bondi Beach after a work Christmas event.

He didn't anticipate he would end up jumping on top of one of the alleged gunmen behind the terror attack that day, which targeted a Hanukkah event and killed 15 innocent people.

He heard the gunshots, initially dismissing them as fireworks, before seeing people panicking and running away.

A man wearing a grey hoodie, standing in front of trees.

Amandeep Singh-Bola says he didn't anticipate he would end up tackling one of the alleged gunmen behind the terror attack. Source: SBS

Immediately, Singh-Bola felt anger surge through him, prompted by his love for Bondi and the community.

It's what fuelled the 34-year-old personal trainer to run down the hill towards the alleged gunmen — who have been identified by police as father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram — in an effort to stop them.

"I wanted to help get one of [the alleged shooters] down, or just help anybody that needed help, because a lot of people were scared," he told SBS World News.

Read the full story here:

Amandeep ate a kebab as the sun set — then helped stop one of the alleged Bondi shooters

— Angelica Waite, Alexandra Koster, Alex Gallagher

11h ago7:21am

Opposition puts migration policy on ice after Bondi Beach massacre

The federal Opposition has put its contentious migration policy on hold, following the Bondi Beach mass shooting on Sunday.

Opposition leader Sussan Ley was expected to release the Coalition's new migration policy before the end of the year, after stating that migration levels in Australia are too high.

Despite internal and external pressure to pursue a migration debate, Ley has put the policy on ice amid concerns about fraying social cohesion and the potential for a fresh debate to be inflammatory at an extremely sensitive time.

On Monday night, Liberal backbencher Andrew Hastie posted a video on Instagram urging a debate on immigration weighted around Australian values in the wake of the massacre.

"This is a really clear time where we need to talk about those who love us, and those who hate us," the Perth MP said.

Read the full article here:

Opposition puts migration policy on ice after Bondi Beach massacre

— Anna Henderson, Naveen Razik

11h ago7:21am

Welcome to today's live blog

Good morning and welcome to our live blog.

We will be covering updates on the Bondi Beach terror attack, as Australia and the world mourn the victims.

Here is some key information to know this morning:

Alleged gunman Naveed Akram has woken up from a coma after he was injured during the attack and is expected to be charged by NSW Police today.
The father and son duo appear to have been inspired by the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) group and visited the Philippines in November, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
Two homemade IS flags and explosives were found in the car registered to Naveed Akram, NSW Police said.
Three patients remain in a critical condition, with six in "critical but stable" conditions. Overall, 24 are receiving care as of 6.30am on Wednesday.
Families of the victims have thanked police and first responders, as a record-breaking number of nearly 50,000 blood donation appointments were made.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has promised the state will have the "toughest" gun laws in the country, hoping to introduce legislation limiting the number of firearms a licence holder can own before Christmas.
Opposition home affairs spokesperson Jonathon Duniam said fixing gun laws in some way will not prevent attacks like the one that happened on Sunday.
Current and former politicians, including Sussan Ley, Pauline Hanson and John Howard, visited a memorial for the victims at Bondi Beach on Tuesday afternoon.

Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14, and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged up to 25). More information and support with mental health is available at beyondblue.org.au and on 1300 22 4636.

NSW parliament will be recalled next week, Minns says, as some protests could be blocked — as it happened

Victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack will be remembered as their funerals are being held in Sydney.

Wrapping up today's coverage

NSW parliament will be recalled next week, Minns says

Images from Frydenberg's address

NSW Health update on people injured in the attack

Police officer shot during attack has lost sight in one eye, family says

Frydenberg accuses Albanese of failing Jewish community during emotional address at Bondi beach

Hundreds gather in Bondi for rabbi Eli Schlanger's funeral

AFP staffing shortages affected investigations 'across the board', association president says

Littleproud says parliament should be recalled to pass tougher migration screening laws

Albanese pays tribute to 'Australian heroes' who confronted gunmen

Bondi shooter expected to face criminal charges

Indian police reportedly unaware of alleged gunman's 'radicalisation'

First funerals for Bondi attack victims to be held in Sydney

Three patients remain in critical condition

Chalmers says gun law reform and antisemitism can be tackled at the same time

Leeser says 'white hot anger' in Bondi community

Australian Syrian Alliance condemns Bondi shooting, expresses solidarity with Jewish community

Amandeep ate a kebab as the sun set — then helped stop one of the alleged Bondi shooters

READ MORE

Opposition puts migration policy on ice after Bondi Beach massacre

READ MORE

Welcome to today's live blog

previous

1of2

next

NSW parliament will be recalled next week, Minns says, as some protests could be blocked — as it happened

Victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack will be remembered as their funerals are being held in Sydney.

Wrapping up today's coverage

NSW parliament will be recalled next week, Minns says

Images from Frydenberg's address

NSW Health update on people injured in the attack

Police officer shot during attack has lost sight in one eye, family says

Frydenberg accuses Albanese of failing Jewish community during emotional address at Bondi beach

Hundreds gather in Bondi for rabbi Eli Schlanger's funeral

AFP staffing shortages affected investigations 'across the board', association president says

Littleproud says parliament should be recalled to pass tougher migration screening laws

Albanese pays tribute to 'Australian heroes' who confronted gunmen

Bondi shooter expected to face criminal charges

Indian police reportedly unaware of alleged gunman's 'radicalisation'

First funerals for Bondi attack victims to be held in Sydney

Three patients remain in critical condition

Chalmers says gun law reform and antisemitism can be tackled at the same time

Leeser says 'white hot anger' in Bondi community

Australian Syrian Alliance condemns Bondi shooting, expresses solidarity with Jewish community

Amandeep ate a kebab as the sun set — then helped stop one of the alleged Bondi shooters

READ MORE

Opposition puts migration policy on ice after Bondi Beach massacre

READ MORE

Welcome to today's live blog

previous

1of2

next

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