A peaceful celebration turned into a nightmare on Sunday evening when gunfire erupted during a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, Sydney.
The horrifying attack has now been officially declared a terrorist incident, with at least 12 people dead and dozens more injured.
Among the deceased was one of the alleged shooters, while another remains in critical condition. Authorities have confirmed that they are still investigating the possibility of a third attacker, per the Guardian.
Mass shooting shocks Australia’s Jewish community
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed the devastating toll, saying at least 12 people were killed during the mass shooting.
“Terrorists want Australians divided and at each other’s throats and we can’t let that happen,” Minns said, describing it as “a terrible night for Sydney.”
The attack occurred during a Hanukah celebration near Bondi Pavilion, where a brochure had earlier urged attendees to gather at Bondi Beach Park by the children’s playground from 5:00PM.
The beach was also bustling with activity from the Bondi Christmas markets.
12 people were killed. Credit: Claudio Galdames A/Anadolu via Getty
Just before 7:00PM, police and emergency services rushed to Archer Park, a grassy area just behind the beach, after receiving reports of shots fired.
In a grim scene captured by bystanders and shared online, crowds were seen fleeing in panic as others lay injured on the ground receiving treatment.
At 8:00PM, a police spokesperson confirmed that “there are no more active shooters.”
Gunman known to authorities, bomb squad investigates
The NSW Police, alongside Mike Burgess, Director General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, said one of the attackers was already known to authorities.
However, Burgess clarified it was “but not in an immediate threat perspective.”
The situation escalated further when police discovered a suspicious vehicle on Campbell Parade, the main road behind the beach.
Bomb disposal units were called in over fears the car might contain multiple improvised explosive devices.
A total of 29 people were taken to hospital following the attack, including two police officers in what authorities described as a “serious, verging on a critical” condition. One child was also among the injured.
Investigations remain ongoing. Credit: George Chan / Getty
Prime minister calls it 'an act of evil antisemitism'
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese didn’t hold back in his condemnation, calling the attack “an act of evil antisemitism” and “a dark moment for our nation.”
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Australian Jewish community. Jillian Segal, Australia’s special envoy to combat antisemitism, said: “The Bondi attack marks the worst fear of the Australian Jewish community becoming reality.”
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, revealed that the organisation’s director of media was among those injured.
Federal opposition leader Sussan Ley added: “Hateful violence striking at the heart of an iconic Australian community, a place we all know so well and love,” as she described Australians as being “in deep mourning.”