NSW Police say the surviving gunman behind the Bondi Beach terrorist attack is “likely” to face criminal charges.

The “massive” and “complex” investigation into the attack has continued as police try to piece together the shooting that has shocked the world.

At least 15 people were killed, as well as one of the two gunmen, in the mass shooting on Sunday evening targeting Jewish patrons attending a Hanukkah event, an eight-day festival of lights.

Officers comb the bridge the two gunmen fired from on Sunday for evidence. (ABC News: John Gunn)

 

Dozens of people were injured, including two police officers, who are in a serious but stable condition after undergoing surgery overnight.

The shooting began about 6:45pm during a Chanukah by the Sea event near a children’s playground around Bondi Park.

Video showed two men opening fire from a bridge into the crowd.

Witnesses described the sound as like fireworks or balloons popping, before “panic” set in, with up to 20 shots reported.

Police sources have told the ABC investigators understand the two Bondi Beach gunmen are a father and son.

Naveed Akram, 24, remains in hospital under police guard while his 50-year-old father Sajid Akram was shot dead in the exchange of gunfire with police on Sunday.

 

“Multiple officers exchanged fire with the two men, with two officers — a constable and probationary constable — suffering gunshot wounds,”

A man tackles one of the gunmen at Bondi Beach.

“Police have since been told two other people — a 10-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man — have since died in hospital.

“Those who died are yet to be formally identified. However, police believe their ages range between 10 and 87 years old.”

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said investigators had ruled out the existence of a third gunman.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon says authorities are not looking for a further suspect after the Bondi Beach shooting.

“We are satisfied there were two offenders involved in yesterday’s incident,” he said.

“One is deceased, the second is in critical but stable condition in hospital at the moment.

Police have searched a Bonnyrigg home. (ABC News: Monish Nand)

“Based on his medical condition, it is likely that person may face criminal charges.”

Commissioner Lanyon said homes in Bonnyrigg and Campsie connected to the father and son had been raided.

He said the 50-year-old man was licensed to carry six firearms, with all guns now seized.

Naveed Akram is expected to be charged. (ABC News)

Over 320 police were deployed on Monday to help “the Jewish community feel safe”, with more to be sent out, Commissioner Lanyon said.

“The type of atrocities we saw yesterday cannot be tolerated.”

When asked about the number of licensed firearms, NSW Premier Chris Minns said the government would “look at that”.

“I think it’s time that we have a change to the law in relation to the firearms legislation in New South Wales, but I’m not ready to announce it today.

“You can expect action soon.”

Commissioner Lanyon said Sajid Akram met the eligibility criteria for a firearms licence for “recreational hunting”, which allowed him to possess long arm guns as registered firearms. He had held the licence since 2015.

“At this stage we know very little about them.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called a snap national cabinet meeting where state and territory leaders agreed that “strong, decisive and focused action” was needed on gun law reform.

Some of the recommendations included fast-tracking the National Firearms Register, the use of criminal intelligence to underpin firearms licensing as well limiting the amount and type of firearms a person can own at a single time.

‘Australia will never submit to division’

Dozens of people remain in hospital, some in serious conditions.  (ABC News: Jack Fisher)

Mr Albanese on Monday described the incident as a “pure evil” act of antisemitism.

“Yesterday was indeed a dark day in our nation’s history, but we as a nation are stronger than the cowards that did this,” he said.

“Australia will never submit to division, violence or hatred, and we’ll come through together. We refuse to let them divide us as a nation.”

The prime minister laid flowers at Bondi Pavilion this morning, before speaking with officers at the scene.

Mr Minns said a memorial site had been erected there and encouraged members of the community to visit.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese left a floral tribute at Bondi Pavilion on Monday morning. (ABC News: Jade Macmillan)

One of those confirmed dead is Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who had been the head of the Chabad mission in Bondi for the past 18 years.

The youngest attack victim has been identified as 10-year-old Matilda, with her aunt Lina describing her niece as a “happy kid” who “always gives [her] cuddles”.

Lina said Matilda was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick after being injured in the shooting, but had lost a lot of blood.

Matilda, 10, was the youngest victim of Sunday’s attack. (Supplied)

She said Matilda’s younger sister was struggling to come to terms with the loss.

“She’s in absolute shock and stress, she’s missing her sister badly, she was lucky she didn’t get any injuries,” she said.

Moment beachgoers flee Bondi Beach during mass shooting caught on surf camera.

“Imagine you see your beautiful little sister that you love just being killed in front of you.

“They were like twins, they’ve never been separated.”

‘Horrifying evil attack’ condemned

Commissioner Mal Lanyon (right) says the counterterrorism command is taking charge of investigations. (ABC News: Liam Patrick)

On Sunday night Commissioner Lanyon declared the shooting a terrorist attack based on the incident taking place at a religious festival, the types of weapons used and items found at the scene.

Police began scouring the site after it was declared a crime scene once several suspected improvised explosive devices were removed just before 11pm.

“We need to fight antisemitism, it is toxic, it is cancerous within a community, and as you can see from last night, it leads to devastating, devastating implications for the people of our country,” Mr Minns said on Monday.

“There’s been overwhelming public outrage and support from the people of New South Wales, and I think from the people of Australia; there needs to be a time for mourning. We need to be in a position to bind up the wounds of the state’s Jewish community.”

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NSW Premier Chris Minns has condemned the ‘cancerous’ antisemitism after the Bondi Beach attack.

Mr Minns said firearm law reform would be considered as part of the state government’s response to the attack.

“There’s a massive role for the government, New South Wales Police, and regular citizens to play here, to ensure that we keep our community safe, and I won’t hesitate to move legislation if it’s required,” he said.

He said the NSW crisis cabinet committee met on Sunday night and would meet again on Saturday.

The site of the attack on Sunday. (Supplied: Nearmap)

King Charles issued a statement saying he was saddened by “the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack” and commended “the heroic actions” of police, emergency services and members of the public.

US President Donald Trump said the attack in Bondi was “terrible” and “purely antisemitic”.

Israel confirmed one of its citizens was among the dead and another was injured.

In the wake of the massacre, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised Mr Albanese, saying the Australian government “did nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism”.