The federal and New South Wales governments announced the day of remembrance, noting it was the country’s deadliest mass shooting since 1996. At Bondi Pavilion, Indigenous leaders held a traditional smoking ceremony, while a growing memorial of flowers and messages covered the site. The memorial is scheduled to be cleared on Monday.

Community and religious leaders said large crowds were expected to gather at Bondi to show solidarity with the Jewish community. They emphasised that the attack was not only against Jews but against shared Australian values, stressing that hatred and violence have no place in the country.

The shooting occurred during a Hanukkah celebration. Authorities said 13 injured people remained hospitalised, including the alleged gunman, who was wounded by police and later charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. His father was killed at the scene.

Flags were lowered to half-staff, government buildings were lit in yellow, and broadcasters paused for a minute of silence. Jewish leaders also invited the wider public to join in marking the final day of Hanukkah, symbolising unity and resilience.

Albanese said the gathering at Sydney’s Great Synagogue highlighted the community’s resilience, unity, and faith. He emphasised the event reflected “comfort, love, and strength” amid national mourning for the 15 people killed and dozens injured, allegedly by a father and son.

Under pressure over rising antisemitism since the conflict in Gaza, Albanese pledged to strengthen hate laws. New South Wales authorities also announced reforms, including tighter hate and gun control measures. A bill is set to ban public displays of terrorist symbols, including those linked to al-Qaeda, Hamas, and Islamic State, which state officials say are intended to intimidate.

Bondi Beach resumed normal surf lifesaving patrols after a pause following the shooting. Volunteers and professionals observed two minutes of silence, while members of the Jewish community held prayers on the beach and swimmers formed a circle in the water to honour victims.

Police killed alleged gunman Sajid Akram, 50, at the scene, while his son Naveed, 24, who survived police gunfire, faces 59 charges, including murder and terrorism. Authorities believe the pair was inspired by Islamic State, with related flags found in their vehicle.

Australian police have confirmed that the two gunmen believed to be responsible for the shooting had previously traveled overseas for alleged extremist training. Investigators say the suspects flew from Sydney to Manila before traveling to Mindanao in the Philippines, a region historically linked to militant activity. Philippine security forces are cooperating with Australian authorities as investigations focus on possible connections to the Islamic State (ISIS).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters that evidence gathered so far indicates the attack was inspired by ISIS ideology, describing the shooting as an act of extremist violence targeting a religious community. Security has been heightened nationwide, particularly around synagogues and Jewish institutions, as officials work to reassure the public.

Hundreds of mourners packed a Bondi synagogue to honor Rabbi Schlanger, remembering him as a devoted spiritual leader committed to peace and service. The funerals mark the beginning of a series of memorials for the victims of one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australia’s recent history, as calls grow for decisive measures to confront antisemitism and extremist radicalization.

Authorities said a total of 29 people were injured, including two police officers who were among the first responders at the scene. Police also discovered what they believe to be several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) inside a nearby vehicle. Bomb disposal units were immediately deployed and are continuing efforts to secure the area and render the devices safe.

Australian police stated that the attack was carried out by a father and son duo, with no indication of additional suspects involved. The 50 year old father was killed during the incident, while his 24 year old son remains hospitalised in critical but stable condition. Investigators are examining the motive behind the attack, including whether it was ideologically motivated, while counterterrorism units continue to assess the broader security implications.

Prime Ministerial and community leaders have condemned the violence, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and reaffirming Australia’s commitment to protecting religious freedom and public safety. Security has been heightened around religious and public gatherings nationwide as investigations continue.