SYDNEY, Australia — Two gunmen opened fire on a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, Australia, on Sunday evening, killing at least 12 people and wounding 29 others in what Australian authorities immediately classified as a terrorist attack deliberately targeting the nation’s Jewish community during one of its most sacred religious observances.
One gunman was fatally shot by police while the second was arrested and remained in critical condition, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon disclosed during late-night briefings as emergency responders continued evacuating casualties to hospitals across Sydney. The massacre unfolded as hundreds of families had gathered for “Chanukah by the Sea,” an annual community event celebrating the first night of Hanukkah near the beach’s children’s playground.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns declared, his voice heavy with emotion as he addressed reporters outside the cordoned-off beach area where bloodstains and abandoned belongings littered the sand. The massacre was classified as a terrorist attack based on the event targeted and weapons deployed, Lanyon emphasized, marking one of the deadliest incidents of antisemitic violence in Australian history.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) detailed how initial emergency calls flooded into NSW Police about 6:45 p.m. local time concerning an active shooter situation at Bondi Beach. The public was immediately urged to avoid the area as armed officers raced toward what would become Australia’s worst mass shooting since stricter gun laws were implemented following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
NSW Police swiftly urged people at Bondi Beach to take shelter while directing others to avoid the vicinity entirely as the situation remained active and dangerous. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed he was aware of the unfolding security crisis. “We urge people in the vicinity to follow information from NSW Police,” they emphasized, as the scope of the carnage gradually became apparent.
Randwick resident and former journalist Elizabeth Mealey described being in the Icebergs restaurant overlooking the beach when she heard shots ring out. “We thought it was fireworks, but it wasn’t — it was something much worse,” she told ABC News, her voice trembling with residual shock. “People started running right up the beach. It was panic, and the panic spread to Icebergs, and people are standing around still not knowing what’s going on, so it’s scary.”
“It felt like it took a long time to hear a siren, we’ve got a helicopter coming in now and an ambulance is arriving. It’s pandemonium and we really don’t know what’s happening,” Mealey recounted. She observed people fleeing from north Bondi to the south end attempting to escape what they could hear. “We did hear what sounded like another type of gunfire eventually, which we were hoping and assuming was police shooting back, and after that went a bit quieter but still kept up. At this point, we are assuming it’s over, but no-one really knows. It’s terrifying.”
Graphic videos circulating on social media captured people on Bondi Beach scattering as multiple gunshots and police sirens echoed across the normally tranquil shoreline. The footage documented the chaos and terror as beachgoers abandoned their belongings and sprinted for safety, with some people diving behind structures or into the water seeking cover from the sustained gunfire.
Prime Minister Albanese released a statement as the crisis unfolded, as broadcast by ABC Sydney. “The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing,” he acknowledged. “Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected. I just have spoken to the AFP Commissioner and the NSW Premier. We are working with 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.”
Police disclosed there were multiple fatalities and that the active threat had been neutralized, with both shooters either killed or in custody. ABC correspondent Digby Werthmuller positioned at the scene obtained information from police media officers. “Police believe that there is to be multiple fatalities,” he transmitted. “They have told me that the active threat, those shooters have been neutralised by police and there’s no ongoing active threat to the public down here in Bondi. But it’s very much still an active scene down here with police and ambulance coming and going. So they do just want to reiterate for people to stay home and not come down to Bondi.”
The exact casualty count remained fluid throughout the evening as injured victims continued arriving at hospitals. NSW Ambulance confirmed it transported six patients to St Vincent’s hospital, three to Royal Prince Alfred, two to St George, two to Royal North Shore, one to Westmead, one to Sydney Children’s hospital and one to Prince of Wales. The 16 initial patients were in unknown conditions at the time of transport, though that number would eventually climb to 29 wounded.
ABC journalist Fiona Willan spoke with Richard Hasten, who had attended Chanukah by the Sea just before 5 p.m. “My grandson was playing at the petting zoo. Everything was fine,” he recounted. Around 6:30 p.m., he heard three bangs from the walkway bridge and initially thought it could have been a balloon bursting before he realized it was gunfire. “I took cover. I was laying down and a woman was right in front of me and I could see she was bleeding right in front of me … so I took my shirt off to stop the bleeding.”
He believes the bullet may have grazed her skull but she survived. Hasten’s son became “hysterical” when separated from his wife and child during the chaos, though they were eventually reunited. “A beautiful day in Bondi spoiled by someone full of hate,” Hasten lamented, his words capturing the profound violation felt by a community that had gathered for joyful celebration only to experience murderous violence.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog responded to the evening’s shooting at Bondi, where the Jewish celebration was taking place, though some information he initially shared proved incorrect, such as there being five shooters. His primary message emphasized prayers for victims alongside a pointed directive to the Australian government regarding antisemitism. “Our heart goes out to them. Our heart misses a beat. The entire nation of Israel misses a beat at this very moment as we pray for the recovery of the wounded … and we pray for those who lost their lives,” he expressed. “We send our warmest strength from here, from Jerusalem, and we repeat our words, time and again, to the Australian government, to take action to fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society.”
The Australian National Imams Council and the Council of Imams NSW released a statement on behalf of the Australian Muslim community unequivocally condemning the evening’s shootings at Bondi. “These acts of violence and crimes have no place in our society. Those responsible must be held fully accountable and face the full force of the law,” the statement emphasized. “Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by this deeply traumatic attack. We acknowledge the pain, fear, and distress felt across the community and extend our sincere compassion and support to all who are grieving. We urge the community to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and support one another during this challenging time. This is a moment for all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, to stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity, rejecting violence in all its forms and affirming our shared commitment to social harmony and the safety of all Australians.”
The prime minister convened senior ministers for an emergency meeting of cabinet’s National Security Committee in response to the deadly Bondi attacks. Albanese was receiving briefings from “all security agencies,” including the Australian Federal Police, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed. Burke serves as one of nine ministers on the NSC, which assembles to consider the “highest-priority and highest-risk national security matters.” Its decisions do not require cabinet approval, enabling rapid response to emerging threats.
ABC correspondent Digby Werthmuller interviewed Finn, a witness who was video-calling his family back home in London when the shooting erupted. “I could hear fireworks going off — that’s what it sounded like, anyway,” he recalled. “I told my mum I’d go have a look, almost show her the view, in a way, and the next thing you know I saw a white car with a guy firing from his car, and I saw an older lady who was killed,” providing chilling testimony about the attackers’ methodology.
Julian Leeser, a Jewish federal MP, characterized the shooting as a “terror attack” and a “horrifying tragedy.” “Tonight’s unfolding terror attack at Bondi Beach, occurring on the first night of Chanukah, is a horrifying tragedy,” he declared. “For Australians, tonight has turned into one of grief and shock. We must come together, check in on one another, support our Jewish friends, and to offer comfort where it is needed. My heart goes out to those who were in Bondi, spending time with their family and friends, only to be confronted with fear and violence. Our Jewish community, which is known for its courage and stoicism, is shaken tonight. I want to thank the NSW Police officers, paramedics, other first responders and members of the public who moved swiftly to protect lives and secure the area under extremely difficult circumstances. Even in darkness, light endures. Tonight, the values at the heart of Chanukah matter more than ever.”
Both The Associated Press and NBC News, in their coverage from the United States, confirmed that two gunmen shot dead at least 11 people on Sunday at a Jewish event being held at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, with Australian authorities declaring it a terrorist attack. One gunman was fatally shot by police and the second arrested. The suspect was in critical condition, authorities confirmed. A massive emergency response was underway, with injured people loaded into ambulances as medical personnel worked frantically to save lives.
At least 29 people were confirmed wounded, Lanyon disclosed. Two of those hurt were police officers who engaged the gunmen during the active shooting. “This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” Premier Minns emphasized. The massacre was declared a terrorist attack due to the event targeted and weapons used, Lanyon elaborated, invoking Australia’s counterterrorism legal frameworks.
Hundreds had gathered for the event at Bondi Beach called Chanukah by the Sea, celebrating the start of the Hanukkah Jewish festival. Dramatic footage apparently filmed by a member of the public and broadcast on Australian television channels showed someone appearing to tackle and disarm one of the gunmen, before pointing the man’s weapon at him in a remarkable act of civilian heroism that potentially saved numerous lives.
NBC News described how the shooting occurred as the Hanukkah event was taking place at Bondi Beach. An event marking the first day of the Jewish celebration Hanukkah was underway on Bondi Beach, confirmed by a digital flyer for an event named Chanuka by the Sea 2025. The flyer indicated the event was scheduled to take place near the beach’s children’s playground from 5 p.m. local time (1 a.m. ET) on Sunday. The event, organized by Jewish center Chabad of Bondi, listed live entertainment, music, games, and activities “for all ages,” making the targeting of families with children particularly heinous.
The Associated Press detailed how Lachlan Moran, 32, from Melbourne, was waiting for his family nearby when he heard shots. He dropped the beer he was carrying for his brother and ran. “You heard a few pops, and I freaked out and ran away. … I started sprinting. I just had that intuition. I sprinted as quickly as I could,” Moran recounted. He indicated he heard shooting off and on for approximately five minutes. “Everyone just dropped all their possessions and everything and were running and people were crying and it was just horrible,” Moran described, capturing the raw terror experienced by hundreds of beachgoers.
Police emphasized their operation remained “ongoing” and that a “number of suspicious items located in the vicinity” were being examined by specialist officers, including an improvised explosive device discovered in one of the suspects’ vehicles. Emergency services were summoned to Campbell Parade about 6:45 p.m. responding to reports of shots being fired. Local news outlets interviewed distressed and bloody bystanders as the scope of the carnage became evident.
Lanyon indicated the death toll from the shooting remained “fluid” and that injured people were still arriving at hospitals throughout the evening, making immediate casualty counts difficult to confirm with certainty. “Our heart bleeds for Australia’s Jewish community tonight,” Minns told reporters in Sydney. “I can only imagine the pain that they’re feeling right now to see their loved ones killed as they celebrate this ancient holiday,” acknowledging the profound trauma inflicted on a community already experiencing elevated anxiety about antisemitic incidents.
Prime Minister Albanese reiterated in a statement that his thoughts were with all those affected. “The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing,” he acknowledged. “Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives,” praising first responders’ courage while the situation remained dangerous and uncertain.
Mass shooting deaths in Australia are extremely rare due to stringent gun control measures implemented following the 1996 massacre in the Tasmanian town of Port Arthur, where a lone gunman killed 35 people. That tragedy prompted the government to drastically tighten gun laws and made it significantly more difficult for Australians to acquire firearms, establishing one of the world’s most restrictive regulatory frameworks that has been credited with preventing subsequent mass casualty events.
Significant mass shootings this century included two murder-suicides with death tolls of five people in 2014, and seven in 2018, in which gunmen killed their own families and themselves. In 2022, two police officers were shot and killed by Christian extremists at a rural property in Queensland state. The three shooters in that incident, conspiracy theorists who hated police, were also shot and killed by officers after a six-hour siege in the region of Wieambilla, along with one of their neighbors.
The Bondi Beach attack represents a disturbing escalation in antisemitic violence globally, occurring as Jewish communities worldwide have experienced heightened security threats and incidents of harassment, vandalism, and assault. The deliberate targeting of a family-oriented religious celebration amplifies the terroristic intent to instill fear and undermine Jewish Australians’ sense of security in public spaces traditionally associated with joy, leisure, and community gathering.
Australia’s Jewish community, numbering approximately 120,000 people concentrated primarily in Sydney and Melbourne, has voiced increasing concerns about rising antisemitism manifesting through both online harassment and physical incidents. The attack’s timing on the first night of Hanukkah—a festival celebrating religious freedom and resilience against persecution—carries symbolic significance that compounds the trauma inflicted on a community already grappling with security anxieties.
The swift classification of the incident as terrorism rather than a hate crime or mass shooting reflects Australian authorities’ recognition that the attack was designed to achieve political objectives through violence directed at a specific religious community. This designation triggers enhanced investigative resources, potential national security implications, and specific legal frameworks for prosecution that carry more severe penalties than ordinary criminal charges.
The discovery of an improvised explosive device in one suspect’s vehicle suggests premeditation and planning rather than spontaneous violence, indicating the attackers prepared for a potentially even more devastating assault had their plans fully materialized. Bomb disposal experts’ involvement highlights the multi-dimensional threat first responders confronted while simultaneously treating casualties and securing a chaotic crime scene spanning a popular public beach.
Bondi Beach’s status as an iconic Australian landmark frequented by both locals and international tourists amplifies the attack’s symbolic impact. The beach has long represented Australia’s outdoor lifestyle and multicultural society, making its transformation into a terrorism scene particularly jarring for a nation that has largely avoided the mass casualty terrorist attacks experienced by other Western democracies in recent decades.
The civilian who tackled and disarmed one gunman demonstrated extraordinary courage under circumstances where most people’s instinct would be to flee. This individual’s actions potentially prevented additional casualties and enabled police to apprehend the suspect rather than kill him, preserving the opportunity for investigation into the attack’s planning, motivation, and whether the perpetrators received assistance or inspiration from external sources.
As Australia mourns its victims and the Jewish community processes this traumatic assault on their religious observance, questions will intensify about how the attackers acquired weapons, whether they expressed extremist views that authorities might have detected, and what additional security measures might protect vulnerable communities from similar attacks. The incident will likely generate renewed debate about balancing civil liberties with security imperatives in an era of evolving terrorist threats targeting religious and ethnic minorities.
Australia Broadcasting Corporation/AP/NBC
