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Contains distressing details.
Deadly shooting at Hanukkah celebration
Twelve people, including one assailant, died when gunmen opened fire on a Jewish community event at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday, marking the first night of Hanukkah. Authorities have classified the attack as an act of terrorism.
Timeline of the attack
Police responded to reports of gunfire at 18:47 local time (07:47 GMT) near Campbell Parade. Witnesses described two armed men firing from a bridge toward the beach, where over 1,000 people had gathered for a Hanukkah celebration. Video footage verified by the BBC shows panicked crowds fleeing as shots rang out.
One attacker was fatally shot by police, while the second remains in critical condition. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional suspects, though investigations are ongoing.
Casualties and emergency response
In addition to the twelve fatalities, 29 people were hospitalized, and two police officers sustained gunshot wounds. An exclusion zone was established around the scene after authorities discovered improvised explosive devices in a vehicle linked to the deceased gunman.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that one of the suspects was previously known to law enforcement but posed no immediate threat. He urged the public to avoid speculation, stating, "This is not a time for retribution."
Heroism amid chaos
Premier Chris Minns praised a bystander who disarmed one of the attackers, crediting his actions with saving lives. Footage shows the man tackling the gunman in a bear hug before retreating as police arrived. Another video depicts officers administering CPR to an unresponsive victim on the bridge.
"Our heart bleeds for Australia's Jewish community tonight. I can only imagine the pain they're feeling as they celebrate this ancient holiday."
Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales
National condemnation
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as "an act of evil antisemitism" in a televised address. He lauded the bravery of first responders and civilians who intervened, calling them "heroes who saved lives."
Australia's spy chief, Mike Burgess, acknowledged that one suspect was on security services' radar but emphasized that the individual was not considered an immediate threat. He declined to provide further details pending the investigation.
Context of the attack
The shooting occurred during Chanuka by the Sea 2025, an event organized by the Chabad of Bondi Jewish center. Scheduled to begin at 17:00 local time (06:00 GMT), the celebration featured live entertainment and activities for families. Bondi Beach, a popular tourist destination, has rarely witnessed mass violence since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which claimed 35 lives.
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, commemorates a historical miracle and spans eight days in November or December. This year's observance began on Sunday.
