Australian PM condemns 'shocking' Bondi Beach terror attack after 12 killed

New South Wales premier says shooting was 'designed to target Sydney's Jewish community'

Police work at the scene after a shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, where two gunmen killed 11 people and wounded several others during a gathering for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. AFP

A police officer walks along cordon tape at the scene of a mass shooting at Bondi Beach. Getty Images

People cross a street after the incident. AFP

Emergency services workers gather at the scene after the shooting. AFP

Health workers move a woman on to a stretcher. AFP

Police first responders speak to members of the public at the scene of the shooting. Getty Images

Emergency workers transport a person on a stretcher after the shooting. AP

A screen grab from UGC video shows two gunmen dressed in black firing on a bridge at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Australian police said two people were taken into custody after reports of several gunshots. AFP

At least 12 people have been killed in a shooting at a Hanukkah event at Australia's Bondi Beach.

Police declared a terrorist incident after what New South Wales premier Chris Minns called an attack "designed to target Sydney's Jewish community".

There were 29 people taken to hospital, including two police officers. One suspected shooter was killed and a second was in a critical condition. Police were investigating the possibility of a third.

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Mr Minns said the shooters opened fire shortly before 7pm at a Hanukkah event with more than 1,000 people present. "This cowardly act of terrifying violence is shocking and painful to see," he said.

"What should have been a night of peace and joy ... has been shattered by this horrifying, evil attack."

New South Wales police commissioner Mal Lanyon said there was "information about the deceased shooter" that contributed to a terrorist incident being declared, but did not reveal what that was.

He said improvised explosives were found in a vehicle in the Bondi area that was linked to the dead shooter. Bomb disposal experts were at the scene.

People and emergency workers at the scene of the shooting. AP

As evening fell, the normally raucous strip was swiftly cleared as armed police cordoned off streets. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the shooting was "beyond comprehension", and hailed the "heroes" who stepped in to help.

"The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing. Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives," Mr Albanese said on X. "My thoughts are with every person affected."

He said: "We have seen Australians today run towards dangers in order to help others. These Australians are heroes and their bravery has saved lives."

A major Australian Muslim organisation condemned the "horrific" shooting.

"Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by this deeply traumatic attack," the Australian National Imams Council said.

"This is a moment for all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, to stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity," it added.

International reaction

Foreign leaders also condemned the attack. "Europe stands with Australia and Jewish communities everywhere. We are united against violence, anti-Semitism and hatred," said Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X: "Anti-Semitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia."

Iran denounced the "violent attack". "We condemn the violent attack in Sydney, Australia. Terror and killing of human beings, wherever committed, is rejected and condemned," Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said.

Israeli leaders - who have clashed with Australia over its recognition of Palestinian statehood - were quick to condemn the shooting. One Israeli citizen was among the dead, officials said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he had warned his Australian counterpart that the country's policies fuel anti-Semitism that "spreads when leaders stay silent." "You must replace weakness with action," he said.

President Isaac Herzog called it a "very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Hanukkah on Bondi beach".

Speaking at an event in Jerusalem, Mr Herzog called on Australia to "fight against the enormous wave of anti-Semitism which is plaguing Australian society".

Members of the public at the scene of the mass shooting in Sydney. Getty Images

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the attack was "the results of the anti-Semitic rampage in the streets of Australia". He criticised Mr Albanese for not directly calling it an anti-Semitic attack.

Tensions flared over the summer after Australia first announced it would recognise Palestine, then cancelled the visa of an Israeli politician who favours annexation of the occupied West Bank. Israel retaliated by barring diplomats.

Mr Albanese also said Mr Netanyahu was "in denial" about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. A stern letter from Mr Netanyahu to the Australian leader in August described a spate of incidents at Jewish sites in Australia as part of a "campaign of intimidation".

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation showed footage of two black-clad gunmen firing on people, and several people being treated by police and paramedics.

In a second clip, a bystander was shown apparently tackling and disarming one of the gunmen — actions that Mr Minns described as heroic.

An annual Hanukkah by the Sea gathering was taking place at the beach on Sunday afternoon. Police had earlier told people to take shelter. A former English cricket captain, Michael Vaughan, was among people locked in a restaurant during the attack.

“Police are responding to a developing incident at Bondi Beach and are urging the public to AVOID the area,” said New South Wales police in a post on X. “Anyone at the scene should take shelter. Police are on scene and more information will be provided when it comes to hand.”

Sunday's attack came almost exactly 11 years after a lone gunman took 18 people hostage at the Lindt Cafe in Sydney. Two hostages and the gunman were killed after a 16-hour standoff.

"Australians are in deep mourning tonight, with hateful violence striking at the heart of an iconic Australian community, a place we all know so well and love, Bondi," said Sussan Ley, the leader of Australia's opposition Liberal Party.

Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah, is an eight-day festival of light usually observed in December.