Sydney Bondi Beach Terror Attack: December 21 as Day of Reflection in Australia

December 19, 2025

Canberra: The Australian government on Friday declared December 21st a ‘Day of Reflection’ to honor the victims of the Sydney Bondi Beach terrorist attack and to express solidarity with the Jewish community. The attack killed 15 people and injured 41 others on Sunday. An alleged gunman, Sajid Akram, was killed, while his son, Naved Akram, was injured in a shootout with police.

Plans for a National Day of Mourning

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the federal and state governments, in collaboration with the Jewish community, will organize a National Day of Mourning in the New Year. This will give the families of the victims time to say their final farewells to their loved ones and support the injured.

Prime Minister Albanese and New South Wales Chief Minister Chris Minns said: “A Day of Reflection will be observed on the last full day of Hanukkah, symbolizing light, faith, and tolerance. Flags will be flown at half-staff on all Australian and NSW government buildings to honor the lives lost.”

The Australian public is encouraged to light candles and observe a minute’s silence at 6:47 p.m. local time. Buildings will be illuminated yellow, a column of light will emerge from the Bondi Pavilion, and TV and radio channels will pause for a minute’s silence. A shared candle image will also be used on social media to support the Jewish Australian community.

Charges against Naveed Akram

On Thursday, Naveed Akram was charged with 59 counts by the NSW Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, including:

15 counts of murder
Committing a terrorist act
Causing grievous bodily harm
Attempt to cause grievous bodily harm
Public display of the symbol of a banned terrorist organisation
Possession of explosives for malicious purposes

Naveed Akram is currently receiving treatment in hospital and is unfit, so he cannot be transferred to prison. He appeared in virtual court.

Details of the Bondi Beach attack

Investigating officers said that police officers arriving at the scene saw Sajid and Naveed Akram firing at people with rifles. The attack lasted approximately nine minutes, and ultimately resulted in the shooting of Sajid Akram and the wounding of Naved Akram. Two police officers were also martyred in the encounter.