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 after the worst terror attack on Australian soil.

Thursday, January 22, will be the date for a National Day of Mourning for the Bondi Beach terror attack, which claimed the lives of 15 innocent people.

Mr Albanese said the Government had selected the date after discussions with Rabbi Yoram Ulman, the spiritual leader of the Chabad community in Bondi.

“This will have a theme of light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance, which has been determined by the Rabbi,” Mr Albanese said.

“He has shown extraordinary leadership for someone who has lost family members in that community.

“Flags will be flown at half mast in all Commonwealth buildings around Australia, and further details will be announced at the end of this week.”

On December 14, 2025, Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly opened fire on a group of Jewish people attending Chanukah by the Sea at Bondi Beach.

Sajid, 50, was shot dead by police. Naveed, 24, was shot by a hero senior NSW Police officer, and was later charged with 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and committing a terrorist act.

A Federal royal commission into the fatal terror attack has been announced by Mr Albanese, something which came after weeks of criticism over the Prime Minister’s reluctance.

Former High Court judge Virginia Bell to lead a months-long examination of the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack.

After weeks of resisting pressure to hold a Commonwealth-level inquiry into anti-Semitism and the shooting that killed 15 people, the Prime Minister said he had listened to the Jewish community.

“I’ve listened, and in a democracy that’s a good thing,” Mr Albanese said on Thursday.

“There is not a single point in time, it’s a series of discussions that I’ve had in homes ... I’ve sat there and I’ve listened to people and engaged with them. That’s my responsibility as Prime Minister of this country, and I’m absolutely determined that anything we did had to build social cohesion, not bring it apart.”

Former national security boss Dennis Richardson’s review of security agencies to ensure intelligence was being shared correctly to prevent attacks and keep Australians safe will now be rolled into the royal commission and is still expected to report in April.