By Lookout Staff

December 15, 2025 -- The Santa Monica Police Department has increased patrols and officer presence at Jewish places of worship and community celebrations in the wake of an anti-semitic terrorist attack that killed 15 people in Australia Sunday.

The massacre took place at Bondi Beach near Sydney where celebrants were gathered at a festival to celebrate the start of Hanukkah.

SMPD officials said the decision to heighten security at Jewish gatherings across the city was made "out of an abundance of caution" and to "provide visibility and reassurance."

"At this time, there is no information indicating any related threat locally, and we remain vigilant," police officials said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the attack "an act of antisemitic terrorism that struck at the heart of the nation."

AP reported that "the massacre at one of Australia’s most popular beaches followed a wave of antisemitic attacks that have roiled the country over the past year."

Those killed in the Bondi Beach attack included a child, a long-serving local rabbi and an Israeli national, officials said Monday, The shooters were father and son, authorities said.

"One gunman, a 50-year-old man, was fatally shot by police. The other shooter, his 24-year-old son, was wounded and was being treated at a hospital," AP News reported.

According to the New York Times, officials said "the father was an immigrant who came to Australia in 1998 on a student visa and stayed in the country for decades on one partner and three resident return visas. It was unclear what country he was from.

"The son is an Australian-born citizen who first came to the attention of the police in 2019 'on the basis of being associated with others,” the paper reported.

Santa Monica police issued a statement extending "our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families, and the Jewish community following the attack that occurred in Sydney during Hanukkah.

"We recognize that acts of violence targeting Jewish people, regardless of where they occur, are deeply troubling and resonate far beyond their immediate location."

"The Santa Monica Police Department unequivocally condemns antisemitism. We also condemn any act of violence, intimidation, or harassment directed at individuals or groups based on faith, race, ethnicity, nationality, or identity.

"No one should ever have to worship or celebrate their beliefs in fear," the statement read. "Please know that our department stands with the Jewish community during this difficult time."

The City of Santa Monica celebrated the start of Hanukkah with the first nightly menorah lighting on the Promenade Sunday.

Different synagogues and local groups are invited each night to light the menorah and host their own ceremony or celebration, Downtown officials said.