The New South Wales Police have confirmed that eleven people were killed in a mass shooting that took place at Bondi Beach, Sydney, targeting the Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration. Additionally, twenty-nine individuals, including a child, were rushed to the hospital with various injuries. The attack unfolded at an event marking the start of Hanukkah, which authorities confirmed had more than 1,000 people in attendance at the beach location. Police reported that one gunman was killed during the operation, while a second suspect is currently in critical condition. Authorities have described the incident as an act of “evil antisemitism” and terrorism, reports The WP Times citing the BBC.
Following the shooting, a rescue bomb disposal unit was rapidly deployed to the area. This was prompted by the discovery of a vehicle believed by police to contain several improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The presence of potential secondary threats significantly heightened the immediate security response and extended the police operation around the beach precinct.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation, condemning the attack in the strongest terms. He stated that this was "an act of evil antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation." The Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, also commented on the rarity of such mass shootings in Australia, noting that this factor made the horrific incident "more shocking" to the public and the community.
An eyewitness who spoke to the BBC provided a firsthand account of the chaos, describing how he had to run with his children to escape the event on the beach immediately after the gunfire began. The shock and fear across the community remain palpable following this targeted act of violence against worshippers.
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