Los Angeles Intensifies Security After Sydney Antisemitic Attack

A deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach left at least eleven people dead and sent shockwaves across the globe. In response, Los Angeles authorities have stepped up security measures across the city and county to protect Jewish communities during the holiday.

LAPD Expands Patrols

The Los Angeles Police Department announced that it is “deeply saddened” by the mass shooting in Sydney. The department said it stands in solidarity with both the Australian Jewish community and those in Los Angeles, adding that its thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by the violence.

Although officials stated that there is no known threat to Los Angeles at this time, the LAPD will “remain vigilant and committed to protecting our diverse communities.” To that end, the department will provide extra patrols at Jewish facilities, schools, synagogues, and Hanukkah events throughout the city.

The statement also urged the public to “maintain heightened situational awareness when attending religious services or community gatherings,” and to call 911 to report anything suspicious. Police further asked local religious institutions to review their own security protocols.

Sheriff’s Department Mirrors the Message

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department released a similar statement. “The LASD extends its deepest condolences to the victims and families affected by today’s tragic shooting in Australia,” the statement read.

Officials said they are actively assessing potential threats to Los Angeles County and have increased patrol checks at critical facilities. All patrol personnel will be briefed to ensure heightened situational awareness and continued vigilance. The department will also reach out to faith‑based partners and community leaders to encourage the public to promptly report any suspicious activity.

The sheriff’s department added practical tips for those attending public Hanukkah celebrations:

• Arrive and depart in groups when possible.
• Be aware of your surroundings and identify exits when entering a facility.
• Report unattended packages, suspicious behavior, or unfamiliar vehicles.
• Trust your instincts—if something feels out of place, notify staff or law enforcement.
• In an emergency, call 911.

Local Police Departments Increase Presence

The Beverly Hills Police Department announced it would increase security around the city’s Jewish institutions, with extra patrols lasting until December 23. Santa Monica officials said police would have an added presence at the Sunday night Menorah lighting on the Promenade and at local places of worship out of an abundance of caution.

Details of the Sydney Attack

The shooting, described by local authorities as a targeted antisemitic attack, occurred at about 6:45 p.m. local time on Sunday at Bondi Beach, where hundreds of Jews had gathered for a Hanukkah celebration. Australian officials later identified two suspects: one was killed, and the other was hospitalized in critical condition.

The deceased suspect was a 50‑year‑old man, while the injured suspect was his 24‑year‑old son, identified as Naveed Akram.

Political Reactions in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a statement early Sunday morning. “The mass murder in Sydney today is yet another horrific antisemitic act of terror on the Jewish community,” she said. “This senseless attack on Australian Jews who had gathered on Bondi Beach to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah and the miracle of lights is a devastating reminder that antisemitism continues to rise around the world. I strongly condemn antisemitism in all its forms.”

She added that Los Angeles holds the Jewish community in Australia and at home in its hearts, and that it has reached out to the Australian Consul General in Los Angeles with its deepest condolences and support. “The LAPD has already increased patrols near places of worship and in communities tonight, during the first night of Hanukkah and throughout the holiday,” Bass said.

Statements from Community Leaders

Developer Rick Caruso, who lost the 2022 mayoral race to Bass, issued a statement that echoed the community’s resolve. “As I grapple with the devastating news from Brown University and Australia, I am comforted by the words of a dear friend, Rabbi Lchaim Zushe, who said to me this morning: ‘We are filled with an even greater resolve to bring light, comfort, and strength to our community. Moments like these remind us how vital it is to stand together and uplift one another.”

The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles described the incident as a “deliberate terrorist act targeting the Jewish community in Sydney as they celebrated the first night of Chanukah” and called for a loud and clear condemnation of antisemitism. The federation stated that the security of the Jewish community is its top priority and that all federations and their community security initiatives are on full alert for the Chanukah celebrations, working with law enforcement partners.

Local Government Solidarity

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn expressed her heartbreak over the violence, stating, “The violence of the past few days is horrifying. My heart breaks for the victims—the terrified students at Brown and those killed in the Bondi Beach attack. I stand in solidarity with the Jewish community as they mark the first night of Hanukkah in the wake of this massacre.”

City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky added, “Antisemitism is a global scourge. Violence against Jewish communities anywhere threatens Jewish communities everywhere, and Jewish people deserve to live, worship, and celebrate without fear.”

Supervisor Holly Mitchell said, “As millions of people around the world gather to begin celebrating Hanukkah, while grappling with heartbreaking acts of violence, we are each called to confront hate by extending dignity and compassion to others. To our Jewish community, we stand in solidarity with you. May the sacredness and resiliency of the Festival of Lights shine even brighter in the days ahead.”

National and International Condemnation

All 25 Jewish U.S. House members issued a bipartisan statement condemning the attack. Representative Laura Friedman, D‑Glendale, joined the statement and raised alarms about a reported antisemitic shooting at a Jewish home in Redlands, San Bernardino County. The incident involved a driver who fired several shots at a house decorated for Hanukkah and yelled an antisemitic slur. No injuries or arrests were immediately reported.

Friedman said, “I am heartbroken. A horrific attack at a Hanukkah gathering in Australia has left at least 11 people dead during a Jewish holiday celebration. And just miles from my district, a California home was shot at for simply displaying Hanukkah decorations in what local authorities are investigating as an antisemitic hate crime. This is not normal. Antisemitism is rising. Hate is rising. According to the FBI, even though Jews make up only around 2 percent of the U.S. population, they were the target of nearly 70 percent of all reported religion‑based hate crimes in 2024. I refuse to hide who I am. Today, I will remember those we’ve lost and celebrate Hanukkah with my community. Chag Sameach to all who are celebrating. We will not be intimidated.”

The national Muslim Public Affairs Council also condemned the attack “in the strongest possible terms,” stating that events meant to celebrate faith, community, and peace should never devolve into scenes of terror and loss. The council mourned with the families who have lost loved ones and stood in solidarity with the Jewish community in Sydney and worldwide.

President Donald Trump issued a statement encouraging Jews to “celebrate proudly – be proud of who you are,” and praised a Muslim bystander who reportedly charged one of the gunmen and took his gun away before being shot. Trump described the man, identified as 43‑year‑old Ahmed Al Ahmed, as “very brave,” noting that the man was wounded but still received great respect.

Community Safety Measures

The Los Angeles Police Department urged residents to keep a heightened sense of awareness at all times, especially when attending religious services or community gatherings. Police also asked local religious institutions to review and strengthen their security protocols.

The sheriff’s department’s additional tips for public Hanukkah celebrations include traveling in groups, identifying exits, reporting unattended packages or suspicious behavior, trusting instincts, and calling 911 in emergencies.

Key Takeaways

• Los Angeles authorities have increased patrols at Jewish facilities and Hanukkah events following a deadly antisemitic attack in Sydney.
• Multiple local agencies, including the LAPD, LASD, Beverly Hills Police, and Santa Monica Police, have issued statements and safety guidelines.
• National leaders and community groups worldwide condemned the attack and called for unity against antisemitism.

The city’s response underscores a collective commitment to protecting Jewish communities and ensuring that celebrations of faith can proceed safely amid rising antisemitic threats.