Bondi massacre: National Day of Mourning confirmed for Thursday, January 22, Anthony Albanese announces
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the date for a National Day of Mourning following the worst terror attack on Australian soil.
Thursday 22 January will be a National Day of Mourning for the Bondi Beach terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 15 innocent people.
Mr Albanese said the Government chose the date after discussions with Rabbi Yoram Ulman, spiritual leader of the Chabad community in Bondi.
“This will be a gathering of light, unity and remembrance, with a theme determined by the Rabbi,” Mr. Albanese said.
“He showed extraordinary leadership for someone who had lost family members in that community.
“Flags will be flown at half-mast at all Commonwealth buildings around Australia and further details will be announced later this week.”
On December 14, 2025, Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly opened fire on a group of Jews attending Hanukkah by the Sea at Bondi Beach.
Sajid, 50, was shot dead by the police. Naveed, 24, was shot by a heroic senior NSW Police officer and was later charged with 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and committing an act of terrorism.
Federal royal commission into deadly terror attack announced by Mr Albanese; This comes after weeks of criticism over the Prime Minister’s reluctance.
Former Supreme Court judge Virginia Bell will lead a months-long review into the deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach.
After weeks of resisting pressure for a Commonwealth-level investigation into anti-Semitism and a shooting that killed 15 people, the Prime Minister said he had listened to the Jewish community.
“I listened, and in democracies, that’s a good thing,” Mr. Albanese said on Thursday.
“Not a single point, it’s a series of discussions that I had in these houses… I sat there, listened to people and interacted with them. I am absolutely determined that it is my responsibility as the Prime Minister of this country and that everything we do should be about building social harmony, not destroying it.”
Former national security boss Dennis Richardson’s review of security agencies to ensure intelligence is shared accurately to prevent attacks and keep Australians safe will now be handed over to the royal commission, which is expected to report back in April.
