A public hearing has revealed that 11 people were shot, 10 of them fatally, in just 29 seconds during Australia's deadliest terror attack at Bondi Beach. The Royal Commission into Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion is examining potential failings by counter-terrorism agencies, ASIO, NSW Police, and Jewish security groups.
Attack Timeline and Casualties
Counsel assisting Richard Lancaster SC told the hearing that within 29 seconds of alleged gunmen Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid Akram, 50, beginning their attack, 11 people were shot, 10 of them fatally. Nearly eight minutes into the attack, Sajid Akram was shot and killed, while his son was shot and apprehended. Mr Lancaster described the attack as a "surprise attack" with no prior intelligence suggesting an imminent threat.
Terror Threat Level Fluctuations
ASIO director-general Mike Burgess testified that Australia's national terrorism threat level had been upgraded and downgraded several times before the attack. It remained at "possible" from 2014 until it was raised to "probable" before the 2014 Lindt Cafe siege due to Australians travelling to the Middle East to support extremist groups. The threat level was downgraded to "possible" in November 2022 but raised again to "probable" in August 2024. Mr Burgess explained that "probable" means a greater than 50% chance of a terrorist act within 12 months. Despite these changes, he believed ASIO had sufficient funding and resources at the time, though he acknowledged the agency was "stretched."
Rise in Anti-Semitism
The hearing highlighted a surge in anti-Semitic attacks following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. Mr Burgess noted "strong emotions" and "threatening, intimidating behaviour" against Jewish Australians through 2023 and 2024, which escalated to direct targeting of people, businesses, and places of worship. AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt confirmed there was "no doubt" about an escalation in anti-Semitism, with 166 reports of alleged crimes under Operation Avalite since December 2024. He expressed concern that anti-Semitism could escalate to terrorist acts, noting overlaps between religiously, ideologically, and politically motivated extremism.
Specific Warnings
In October 2025, after a terrorist attack on a synagogue in Manchester, ASIO prepared a report highlighting the "enduring threat" to Jewish citizens in the UK and Australia. The report noted that Jewish holy days and significant dates like Hanukkah were "attractive targets for extremists." This was a specific warning to NSW Police and others.
Police Response Scrutinized
NSW Police's response before, during, and after the attack was examined. A senior police officer, who cannot be named, was questioned about requests for a "static police presence" at the Hanukkah event. The officer argued that static officers have a "very narrow focus" and that police need to move around to monitor and prevent crime. The Chanukah by the Sea event was classified as tier 1, the lowest security risk, which the officer admitted in hindsight was inadequate given the climate. In contrast, the 2023 event had a large police presence under Operation Shelter due to significant community fear.
Deputy Commissioner David Hudson testified that officers responding to the attack were at "significant risk" with 9mm Glocks against long arms. NSW Police and the Police Union had requested greater access to long arms before the attack. Last year, NSW police carried long-armed weapons at New Year's celebrations for the first time.
Online Hate Targeting Witnesses
Royal Commissioner Virginia Bell revealed that witnesses who gave evidence faced a "dramatic increase in online hate messages." One case was referred to the AFP for investigation. Examples included references to Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Jillian Segal as a "cockroach" and calls to "kill all Jews." A Jewish child who testified was also targeted. Dor Foundation CEO Tahli Blicblau described the abuse as "absolutely horrific" and "egregious," calling for accountability in online spaces.
Ongoing Investigation
None of the questioning in the next two weeks of the commission will be public, with about 80% of hearing block 2 conducted in closed court. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry declined to comment on the closed hearings but called the online abuse "awful." The commission's interim report included 14 recommendations, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed to accept for commonwealth-related matters. Recommendations include heightening security at Jewish events and refining counter-terror cooperation. The final report is due in December, a year after the attack.
