11 Killed in Terror Attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach

• At least 11 people killed, 29 injured in Bondi Beach shooting
• NSW Police term attack a terrorism event targeting Jewish community
• Prime Minister Albanese calls it “evil antisemitism”
• One suspect killed, second shooter in critical condition

GG News Bureau
Sydney, 14th Dec: At least 11 people were killed and 29 others injured on Sunday after two gunmen opened fire at Australia’s Bondi Beach in an attack that targeted a Jewish Hanukkah event, authorities said. The New South Wales Police have designated the incident as a terrorism event.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the attack was deliberately aimed at Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah. “This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” Minns said at the start of a press conference.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting as an “act of evil antisemitism,” calling the scenes at Bondi “shocking and distressing.” He said police and emergency responders were working on the ground to save lives and urged people to follow official advisories.

According to police, the first report of shots fired was received around 6:45 pm local time. Videos verified by Australian media showed hundreds of beachgoers fleeing the popular waterfront as gunfire erupted. Two police officers were among those injured.

Police said one suspect was shot dead, while a second alleged shooter is in critical condition. A dramatic video circulating on social media showed a bystander tackling and disarming one of the attackers. New South Wales Police later confirmed the bystander was injured and hospitalised.

Authorities initially urged the public to avoid the area and seek shelter. “The police operation is ongoing. Please obey all police directions and do not cross police lines,” police said in a statement.

The Australian Jewish Association said the shooting occurred during an event organised to mark the beginning of Hanukkah. Chabad, which was hosting the celebration at Bondi Beach, confirmed that Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi, was killed in the attack.

Opposition leader Sussan Ley described the shooting as “hateful violence striking at the heart of an iconic Australian community,” saying the celebration of peace and hope had been “severed by hate.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the incident, calling it a terrorist attack on Jews lighting the first candle of Hanukkah. He expressed solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community.

Prime Minister Albanese said he remained in close contact with New South Wales authorities, while international partners, including the United States, were also coordinating with Australian officials.

“This is a massive, complex investigation that has only just begun,” Premier Minns said, as police continued to probe the attack.