Bondi Beach mass shooting leaves 10 dead during Hanukkah event in Sydney

Bondi Beach mass shooting shocked Australia on Sunday evening after gunmen opened fire at a crowded Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, killing at least 10 people, including children and a police officer, and injuring more than 11 others.

What happened at Bondi Beach

The shooting took place around 6:30 pm local time at Bondi Beach Park, close to a children’s playground, where hundreds of people had gathered for a public Hanukkah event. According to New South Wales Police, the attackers appeared to have targeted the gathering deliberately, suggesting the incident was planned well in advance.

Police confirmed that two gunmen were involved. One attacker was shot dead at the scene, while the second was critically injured and taken into custody. One of the shooters has been identified as Naveed Akram, according to police sources.

Authorities also conducted extensive searches in the surrounding area after receiving unconfirmed information about a possible improvised explosive device (IED) near a pedestrian bridge.

Heavy police and emergency response

NSW Police deployed 26 emergency units, including helicopters, tactical response teams, and intensive care paramedics. Several victims received emergency treatment at the scene before being shifted to St Vincent’s Hospital, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and St George Hospital.

Two police officers were among those injured while responding to the attack.

Police Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry said investigators believe between 50 and 100 rounds were fired during the incident, making it one of the most serious shooting attacks in recent Australian history.

Eyewitness accounts describe chaos

People present at the beach described scenes of panic as gunfire rang out across the park.

Local resident Harry Wilson said multiple people were lying injured on the ground as others ran for safety. Another witness said a stranger pulled nearby children away from the beach and helped them shelter inside a nearby home.

Videos circulating online show a civilian confronting one of the shooters, wrestling a firearm away while another gunman continued firing from a footbridge above the beach.

Official statements from leaders

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as “shocking and distressing” and confirmed that he had spoken to the Australian Federal Police Commissioner and the NSW Premier.

“My thoughts are with every person affected. Police and emergency services are working tirelessly, and further updates will be provided as information is confirmed,” Albanese said.

The Prime Minister later convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee in response to the attack.

NSW Premier Chris Minns urged people to stay away from the area and follow police instructions, calling the reports from Bondi “deeply distressing”.

Investigation remains ongoing

Police confirmed that the operation remains active and urged the public not to cross security cordons. A 60-year-old man was arrested from a nearby residential unit several hours after the shooting and taken to hospital for treatment following injuries sustained during the arrest.

Authorities are examining CCTV footage, recovered weapons, and witness statements to establish the full sequence of events and any wider links.

Background and wider impact

Bondi Beach is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting thousands of visitors daily. The incident comes nearly 11 years after the Lindt Café siege in Sydney, which had led to significant changes in Australia’s security approach.

Community leaders have expressed concern over the attack occurring during a religious celebration, with Jewish organisations confirming the event was part of Hanukkah observances.

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Current situation

Police continue to investigate the motive behind the attack and are urging residents and tourists to avoid Bondi Beach and nearby areas until further notice.

Further updates are expected as authorities release confirmed information.