At least 11 people were killed and dozens injured after two gunmen opened fire at a Jewish community event held at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, Australian authorities said, declaring the incident a terrorist attack.
Police confirmed that one of the attackers was shot dead at the scene, while the second suspect was arrested and remains in critical condition. A large-scale emergency operation was launched as ambulances rushed the injured to nearby hospitals.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said at least 29 people were wounded in the attack, including two police officers. He described the situation as evolving, warning that the death toll could change as more victims receive medical treatment.
The shooting occurred during “Chanukah by the Sea,” an event attended by hundreds of people celebrating the start of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Authorities said the attackers deliberately targeted the Jewish community, prompting officials to classify the incident as an act of terrorism.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.
Eyewitness footage broadcast on local television showed a bystander tackling and disarming one of the gunmen, moments before police intervened. Survivors described scenes of panic as people fled the area amid ongoing gunfire.
“You heard a few pops and everyone just ran,” said one witness, adding that people abandoned their belongings as chaos spread along the beachfront.
Police said several suspicious items were discovered near the scene, including an improvised explosive device found in one of the suspect’s vehicles. Specialist units were deployed to examine the area, and authorities confirmed the security operation was ongoing.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, calling the scenes “shocking and distressing,” and praised police and emergency responders for their swift action.
Mass shooting incidents are extremely rare in Australia due to strict gun control laws introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Officials said the Bondi Beach attack stands among the deadliest acts of violence in the country in recent decades.
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