Australian Designer Recalls Terror During Bondi Beach Shooting

An antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach left a fashion designer in a state of terror as she concealed herself from gunfire. On December 17, 2023, during a celebration of Hanukkah, two assailants, Naveed Akram, aged 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, opened fire on attendees, resulting in 15 fatalities and numerous injuries.

Pip Edwards, 45, a prominent Australian fashion designer known for her brand P.E. Nation, described her harrowing experience in a detailed Instagram post to her over 205,000 followers. Edwards recounted the moment when the gunfire erupted—just as she and her girlfriend approached the vicinity of the celebration. “The gunman fired his first round of shots right behind my girlfriend and I as we had just passed the bridge where they were standing, heading in the direction of the Jewish event,” she stated.

As chaos erupted, Edwards and her girlfriend ducked between parked vans, seeking refuge from the gunfire. The two women hid under one van while the assailants moved dangerously close, with Edwards recalling, “We watched the gunman’s feet with his gun pace in front of the van right at our heads.” The shooter’s proximity was alarming, with the pair described as circling the vehicle like predators.

Edwards detailed the fear that consumed her during the ordeal. “I was convulsing with fear, trapped, thinking this was it for us,” she wrote. For approximately 15 minutes, the women remained under the van, trying to remain silent and hidden, all while the gunfire continued. “We rolled from side to side under the van to hide behind the wheels,” she explained, emphasizing the level of panic and shock they experienced in that moment.

When the gunfire finally ceased, a friend managed to breach police barriers to rescue them from beneath the van. The attack was marked by a chilling discovery at the crime scene—the Akrams’ vehicle contained improvised explosive devices and homemade ISIS flags. Police confirmed that the duo possessed six licensed firearms.

Sajid Akram was killed during an ensuing shootout with police, while Naveed Akram sustained injuries and was subsequently charged with 59 offenses. These include allegations of committing a terrorist act and 15 counts of murder, marking this incident as Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in over 30 years.

Reflecting on the violent event, Edwards expressed her disbelief and gratitude for her survival. “I cannot comprehend nor compute it at all,” she remarked. “I am beyond grateful to have survived. I love my son beyond words, and I love my family and friends so much—love is all that matters.” Her emotional response highlights the profound impact of the tragedy on those who experienced it firsthand.

The Bondi Beach attack stands as a stark reminder of the threats posed by extremism and the urgent need for community resilience in the face of such violence.