Sydney, Australia: At least 12 people were shot dead after two gunmen opened fire at Sydney’s Bondi Beach today. According to witnesses, around 50 shots were fired during the shooting that took place around two hours ago.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the scenes in Bondi are “shocking and distressing”. “Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected.
“I have just spoken to the AFP Commissioner and with the NSW Premier. We are working with the NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed. I urge people in the vicinity to follow information from the NSW Police,” he said in a statement.
Around 2.17 pm IST (7.47 pm Australian time), New South Wales police police said in a post on X that they were responding to a “developing incident” at Bondi Beach. “Anyone at the scene should take shelter,” they warned. Police later said the two shooters had been taken into custody. “Police operation is ongoing, and we continue to urge people to avoid the area. Please obey ALL police directions. Do not cross police lines.” Visuals show the two shooters, dressed in black, firing at the crowd.
Attack During Hanukkah Celebration
The shooting took place on the first night of the eight-day Jewish festival Hanukkah. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the gunmen opened fire just after 6.30 pm (Australian time) when hundreds of people had gathered on the beach for a seaside event to mark the beginning of the Jewish festival.
One of the people who attended the event told The Herald that the shooters targeted children and the elderly indiscriminately. Visuals showed some people performing CPR on others.
Political Leaders Condemn Violence
Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley said Australians are in deep mourning, “with hateful violence striking at the heart of an iconic Australian community, a place we all know so well and love, Bondi”.
“The loss of life from this attack is significant and I join with the Prime Minister in urging all Australians to follow official advice from police and relevant authorities. This attack occurred as our Jewish community came together at the Chanukah by the Sea celebration. This was a celebration of peace and hope for the future, severed by hate,” she said.
“My heart is with Australia’s Jewish community tonight, particularly those in the eastern suburbs of Sydney people I know well. Today we stand together as Australians against hate in this moment of profound tragedy and shock,” she said.
Australian PM Albanese Says, “Shocking and Distressing”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday expressed shock and grief after a mass shooting near a Jewish gathering at Sydney’s Bondi Beach left at least 10 people dead, including one of the alleged shooters. Describing the scenes as “shocking and distressing,” Albanese urged the public to strictly follow directions issued by the New South Wales (NSW) Police as security operations remain ongoing.
In a statement shared on X, the Prime Minister said he had spoken with Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Krissy Barrett and NSW Premier Chris Minns. “Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected,” Albanese said, adding that authorities would provide further updates as information is confirmed.
NSW Police confirmed that the shooting involved two men. Ten fatalities have been confirmed so far, including one suspected shooter, while the second alleged shooter is in critical condition. A total of 12 people were injured in the incident, including two police officers. Police said two individuals are in custody and reiterated appeals for the public to avoid the area.
The attack drew strong condemnation from Jewish and Israeli leaders. Australian Jewish Association CEO Robert Gregory called the incident a tragedy, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said he was “appalled,” linking the attack to rising anti-Semitism and urging decisive action.
