A deadly antisemitic shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday has prompted Los Angeles officials to increase security at Jewish sites and Hanukkah events across the county.
LAPD’s Immediate Response
“The Los Angeles Police Department is deeply saddened by the tragic mass shooting attack that occurred during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia. We stand in solidarity with the Jewish Community in Australia and here in Los Angeles, and our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those impacted by this senseless act of violence” the LAPD said in a statement shortly after news of the tragedy broke.
“While there is no known threat to Los Angeles at this time, the LAPD remains vigilant and committed to protecting our diverse communities. As part of this commitment, the LAPD will provide extra patrols at Jewish facilities, schools, synagogues and at Hanukkah events throughout the city,” the statement continued.
The department also added that it would continue to work closely with local, national, and international partners to monitor developments and ensure safety, urging that together they can honor the spirit of Hanukkah by standing united against hate and violence.
The LAPD urged the public to “maintain heightened situational awareness when attending religious services or community gatherings,” and to call 911 to report anything suspicious.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
“The (LASD) extends its deepest condolences to the victims and families affected by today’s tragic shooting in Australia,” officials wrote. “We are actively assessing any 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. In addition, we will be reaching out to our faith-based partners and community leaders to encourage the public to promptly report any suspicious activity. Violence has no place in our society. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting our communities and ensuring public safety throughout Los Angeles County.”
Later, the sheriff’s department added practical safety 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.
City and Community Leaders
Beverly Hills Police Department said it would increase security around the city’s Jewish institutions, with extra patrols lasting until Dec. 23. Santa Monica officials announced an added presence at Sunday night’s Menorah lighting on the Promenade and at local places of worship.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the attack, saying, “The mass murder in Sydney today is yet another horrific antisemitic act of terror on the Jewish community. 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,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Sunday morning.
She added, “Los Angeles holds the Jewish community in Australia and here at home in our hearts. We have reached out to the Australian Consul General in Los Angeles with our deepest condolences and support,” Bass added. “The LAPD has already increased patrols near places of worship and in communities tonight, during the first night of Hanukkah and throughout the holiday.”
Developer Rick Caruso issued a statement: “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 shooting as a deliberate terrorist act and reiterated that the security of the Jewish community is the top priority. “The security of the Jewish community is the top priority of #JewishFederations across North America. All Federations and their community security initiatives are on full alert for the Chanukah celebrations in their communities, working with all our law enforcement partners,” the federation said. “… Our community will never retreat in the face of hatred, and will never refrain from carrying on our Jewish traditions. Rather, we will use every tool at our disposal to make sure our communities are safe and that our lights burn all the brighter.”
County Supervisor Janice Hahn and City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky both expressed solidarity, noting that antisemitism is a global scourge and that Jewish people deserve to celebrate without fear.
Supervisor Holly Mitchell called on the community to confront hate with dignity and compassion, adding, “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.”
Rep. Laura Friedman joined a bipartisan statement from all 25 Jewish U.S. House members condemning the attack. She also highlighted a separate incident in Redlands, California, where a Jewish family was shot at for displaying Hanukkah decorations.
The national Muslim Public Affairs Council condemned the attack “in the strongest possible terms. … Events meant to celebrate faith, community, and peace should never devolve into scenes of terror and loss. We mourn with the families who have lost loved ones and stand in heartfelt solidarity with the Jewish community in Sydney and around the world. Antisemitism and violence have no place in our societies.”
President Donald Trump also condemned the attack on Sunday, while encouraging Jews to “celebrate proudly – be proud of who you are,” according to Fox News. Trump also praised a Muslim bystander who reportedly charged one of the gunmen and took his gun away before being shot himself, apparently by another gunman. The man, identified as 43-year-old Ahmed Al Ahmed, can be seen in dramatic news video rushing one of the shooters and wrestling the gun away, then pointing it at the man he disarmed. “Very, very brave person, who went and frontally attacked one of the shooters and saved a lot of lives,” Trump said. “Very brave person, right now in the hospital, wounded. Great respect to the man that did that.”
The Attack
The shooting occurred at about 6:45 p.m. local time Sunday at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where hundreds of Jews had gathered for a Hanukkah celebration. Authorities said at least eleven people were killed, and two suspects were identified: a 50-year-old man who was killed and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, who was hospitalized in critical condition.
The Jewish holiday lasts eight nights, usually falling in December.
Key Takeaways
- Los Angeles authorities have increased patrols and security at Jewish facilities and Hanukkah events.
- The LAPD and LASD have issued statements of solidarity and practical safety guidance.
- The attack in Sydney killed at least eleven people and involved a father-son pair of suspects.
Los Angeles continues to stand united against hate, offering heightened protection for its Jewish community while honoring the spirit of Hanukkah.
