Sydney: A shocking mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney has left at least 12 people dead and 29 others seriously injured, in what authorities are describing as a terrorist attack against the Jewish community. The violence erupted on Sunday evening during a Hanukkah celebration near Campbell Parade, sending hundreds of revelers fleeing in panic as gunshots rang out along the iconic beachside promenade.
New South Wales police confirmed that the incident involved two gunmen, one of whom was killed at the scene, while the second was critically injured and taken into custody after being subdued by bystanders. Emergency services rushed the wounded to nearby hospitals, including two police officers among the injured. Witnesses reported chaotic and terrifying scenes, as the crowd sought shelter from the hail of bullets while trying to protect one another. Bomb disposal teams were deployed after authorities discovered explosive devices in a vehicle linked to the attackers.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as an act of antisemitic terrorism, emphasizing the deliberate targeting of Jewish Australians celebrating the festival of lights. “This is a vile attack on innocent people gathered in peace,” he said, urging the nation to remain united in the face of hatred. The Prime Minister convened a national security council meeting to coordinate the response, while New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the events as “disgraceful” and a direct attack on the values of the community.
The shooting took place on the first night of Hanukkah, heightening the emotional and cultural impact of the tragedy. Community leaders described the assault as a targeted strike on a religious gathering, noting that fear and grief have swept through Sydney’s Jewish population. Eyewitness accounts highlighted moments of bravery, including civilians confronting and subduing the attackers amidst the chaos.
Authorities confirmed that the active threat has been neutralized. Police established exclusion zones around Bondi Beach while forensic teams and counterterrorism units worked to secure the area and investigate the attackers’ motives. Hospitals across Sydney mobilized to treat the wounded, with emergency teams operating throughout the night to manage the surge of casualties.
The Bondi Beach shooting is regarded as one of the deadliest acts of violence in Australia in decades, evoking comparisons with the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Global leaders expressed solidarity with Australia, condemning the attack and offering condolences to the families of the victims. As investigators continue to piece together the events leading to the attack, questions remain about the extent of planning, potential accomplices, and the wider security implications for the nation.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves not only through Sydney but across the world, serving as a grim reminder of the ongoing threats faced by religious communities and the urgent need for vigilance, unity, and justice.