Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Australia Announces Gun Buyback After Bondi Attack
On December 14, 2023, a terrible attack happened at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.
A man and his son shot and killed 15 people during a Jewish celebration.
The attackers had six powerful guns and were inspired by a group called the Islamic State.
After this, the Australian government wants to make gun laws stricter.
They want to limit how many guns a person can own, check backgrounds more carefully, and even buy back some guns.
But not everyone agrees with these changes.
Some people think the focus should be on stopping terrorism and antisemitism, not on guns.
The government is trying to balance both.
Most Australians support stricter gun laws, but there is a lot of debate about what should be done.
Australia will launch a national gun buyback scheme following the mass shooting in Sydney, similar to reforms after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
Fifteen people were killed and dozens wounded on December 14, 2023, during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach by two gunmen with six high-powered rifles.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese proposed stricter gun control measures, including limits on gun ownership, a national firearms register, and expanded background checks.
The government will also strengthen hate speech laws and has expelled the Iranian ambassador for alleged involvement in antisemitic attacks.
Hundreds of surfers and swimmers formed a circle in the waters off Bondi Beach to honor the victims, showing support for the Jewish community amid heightened fears of antisemitism.
- Who
- Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram carried out the attack, which was inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS).
- What
- A mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, Sydney, resulting in 15 deaths.
- When
- December 14, 2023.
- Where
- Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia.
- Why
- The attack was motivated by Islamic State ideology and antisemitism, according to authorities.
- Date of Attack
- December 14, 2023
- Location
- Bondi Beach, Sydney
- Victims
- 15 people killed
- Attackers
- Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram
- Inspiration
- Islamic State (ISIS)
- Guns Used
- Six high-powered rifles
- Proposed Gun Control Measures
- Limit on gun ownership, national firearms register, expanded background checks, citizenship requirement for gun ownership, buyback of surplus firearms
- Public Support for Tighter Gun Laws
- 64% in favor (January 2024 poll)
Sources
Analysis-Australia’s gun control consensus frays after Bondi Beach attack
Bondi Beach attack: The Islamic State’s long shadow on Australia
Australia plans gun buyback after Bondi massacre, as surfers honour victims
Bondi beach shooting: Albanese announces national buyback campaign to take 'dangerous guns off streets'
Australia plans gun buyback after Bondi massacre, as surfers honour victims
Australia Announces Gun Buyback as Swimmers Mourn Bondi Shooting Victims
