Reports indicate two gunmen discharged firearms at Sydney’s Bondi Beach close to a Hanukkah gathering
Media reports state that at least 12 individuals lost their lives and several others were injured when two gunmen fired shots at a Hanukkah event at a beach in Sydney, Australia.
The incident took place on Sunday evening at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Footage shared online showed two people shooting at crowds, prompting hundreds to flee in panic as emergency services rushed to the scene.
Local authorities later confirmed 12 fatalities. During a press conference following the shooting, police announced they are now formally classifying it as a “terrorist incident,” corroborating earlier reports that explosives were found in a car linked to one of the gunmen.
In an earlier post on X, police also noted that a man believed to be one of the shooters is among the dead. The second gunman has been arrested and is in critical condition.
Media accounts claim an additional 29 people—including two police officers—have been injured and taken to hospitals across the city.
Bondi beach
— Australian Jewish Association (@AustralianJA)
The shooting has stunned the local community, as it occurred on the first night of Hanukkah—a major Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, traditionally marked by public celebrations, family gatherings, and candle-lighting over eight nights.
Warning: disturbing images.
Bondi Beach, Sydney.
Jews slaughtered in broad daylight at a Hanukkah gathering.The direct result of an Australian government that has allowed antisemitism to fester, normalize, and ultimately turn deadly.
— גיא עזריאל Guy Azriel (@GuyAz)
Videos filmed by locals and shared online reportedly captured the moment police apprehended the shooters.
A mass shooting on Bondi Beach with some horrific images out there, RIP to the innocents just living in this angry world.🙁
— Matt Casey 🏴 🇬🇧 (@MattCas04807118)
Other footage showed crowds fleeing the beach. A clip that quickly went viral appeared to depict a bystander attacking one of the gunmen and disarming him, apparently before police arrived.
🚨BREAKING: Shooting at Bondi Beach. Bystander rushes one of the shooters and disarms them.
Reports indicate a bystander rushed one of the shooters and disarmed them.
Casualties currently reported between 3–6 dead and 7–15 injured.
Multiple victims in critical condition toll…— EzeNews (@EzeBets)
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the scenes in Bondi as “shocking and distressing.” “Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected,” he wrote in a statement on X.
Australia Needs Total Remigration
SHOOTING at Bondi Beach
It’s the usual suspects as always
— James Goddard (@JamesPGoddard90)
Independent MP Allegra Spender, whose electorate includes Bondi Beach, called the incident “horrifying.”
“It’s still not clear exactly what has happened… This is not the Australia that we know and love. I know our community will come together, but this is devastating to all of us,” she said.
While it remains unclear whether the shooters deliberately targeted the Jewish celebration, Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, told 2GB radio it was no coincidence the shooting occurred during a Jewish community event.
“Hundreds of people were gathered. It’s a family event… I don’t think this was an attack that just happened to occur at Bondi Beach. I think this was very deliberate and very targeted,” Ryvchin said. He added that the ECAJ’s director of media was injured in the incident.