Families of Bondi Beach victims demand more federal action

Families of 15 people killed and 40 wounded in the December 14, 2025, Bondi Beach shooting at a Hanukkah festival are demanding Prime Minister Anthony Albanese establish a royal commission to investigate rising antisemitism in Australia and security failures. The attack, Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996, was allegedly inspired by Islamic State. Prime Minister Albanese has resisted calls for a royal commission, citing years-long proceedings, and instead launched an inquiry by retired bureaucrat Dennis Richardson that will report in April 2026. The families argue that a state inquiry is insufficient, labeling antisemitism a 'national crisis.' Australian bystander Ahmed al Ahmed was hailed as a hero after tackling and disarming one gunman, receiving over $1.7 million in global donations.