The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team has formally charged a 24-year-old man alleged to be one of two gunmen responsible for the Bondi Beach mass shooting that claimed the lives of 15 people.
About 6.40pm on Sunday 14 December 2025, emergency services were called to Bondi Beach following reports of a public place shooting.
Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command, surrounding commands, and specialist police responded and located two men using long arms to fire into crowds of people.
Multiple officers exchanged fire with the gunmen, and two officers – a constable and probationary constable – suffered gunshot wounds.
During the incident, one gunman – a 50-year-old man – was shot by police and died at the scene.
The second gunman – his 24-year-old son – suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.
Fifteen people died during the attack, with 41 people – including four children – taken to hospital.
There are currently 20 patients continuing to receive care across several Sydney hospitals.
Those who died are still in the process of being formally identified; however, police believe their ages range between 10 and 87.
Of the two injured officers, the constable is in a critical but stable condition, while the probationary constable is in a stable condition.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM declared the incident terror related, and the investigation was referred to the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCCT) under Operation Arques.
The NSW JCTT comprises members from the NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission.
Following extensive inquiries under Operation Arques, today (Wednesday 17 December), JCTT investigators attended a hospital where they charged a 24-year-old Bonnyrigg man with 59 offences, including:
- Commit terrorist act
- 15 counts of murder
- 40 counts of cause wounding/grievous bodily harm to person with intent to murder
- Discharge firearm etc intend cause grievous bodily harm
- Cause public display of prohibited terrorist org symbol
- Place explosive in/near building with intent cause harm
Police will allege in court the man engaged in conduct that caused death, serious injury and endangered life to advance a religious cause and cause fear in the community.
Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by ISIS, a listed terrorist organisation in Australia.
He remains in hospital under police guard to face Bail Division Local Court 7 via AVL today.
Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.
