Mon Dec 22 03:24:15 UTC 2025: Summary:

Following a deadly mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, Sydney, that killed 15 people, New South Wales (NSW), Australia is implementing stricter gun control laws and banning the display of terrorist symbols. The NSW government is capping gun ownership, and banning symbols like the Islamic State flag, which was found in connection to one of the shooters. The federal government is also considering broader reforms to gun ownership, hate speech laws, and a review of police and intelligence services. One of the alleged gunmen, Sajid Akram, was killed by police, while his son, Naveed Akram, is in custody facing multiple charges.

News Article:

Australia Tightens Gun Laws, Bans Terrorist Symbols After Bondi Beach Massacre

Sydney, Australia – December 22, 2025 – In the wake of a horrific mass shooting that claimed the lives of 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, New South Wales (NSW) is enacting some of the strictest gun control measures in the country. The state government swiftly convened a special parliamentary session to pass legislation capping individual gun ownership and prohibiting the display of “terrorist symbols,” including the flag of the Islamic State.

“We can’t pretend that the world is the same,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns. “We need to make sure that we take steps so that it never happens again.”

The reforms come after a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram, allegedly targeted the Jewish festival last week. Sajid Akram, 50, was killed by police at the scene. His son, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, an Australian citizen, is currently hospitalized and faces multiple charges, including terrorism and 15 counts of murder. Police have stated the alleged gunmen were inspired by “Islamic State ideology.”

The federal government is also responding with a potential overhaul of gun ownership rules, hate speech laws, and a review of national security agencies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a major gun buyback program, the largest since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, aimed at removing firearms from the streets.

The swift legislative action reflects the nation’s determination to prevent future tragedies and address potential security threats in the wake of the Bondi Beach shooting.

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