Authorities in Australia say at least 11 people were killed and dozens more injured after a coordinated shooting during a Jewish holiday gathering at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on the evening of Sunday, December 14.
Per the Associated Press, officials have formally labeled the incident a terrorist attack, citing the location, timing, and nature of the event that was targeted.
The Bondi Beach shooting unfolded around 6:45 p.m. local time near Campbell Parade, where hundreds had gathered for Chanukah by the Sea, a public celebration marking the first night of Hanukkah.
According to police, two armed attackers opened fire from an elevated position near a pedestrian bridge overlooking the beachfront area.
One of the gunmen was fatally shot by responding officers. A second suspect was taken into custody in critical condition. Authorities later confirmed two additional arrests in connection with the attack, bringing the total number of people detained to three. At least 29 others were wounded, including two police officers, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said.
Video circulating on Australian television appeared to show a civilian confronting one of the shooters, tackling him to the ground and knocking the weapon away before police arrived. Officials have not released the individual’s name but confirmed that the intervention helped prevent further casualties.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation shortly after the attack, calling it “an act of evil, antisemitism, and terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the event was “deliberately chosen” and confirmed the attack was classified as terrorism due to both intent and method.
Chabad officials later identified one of the victims as Rabbi Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and one of the organizers behind the beachside celebration. Chabad, an Orthodox Jewish movement known for large public holiday events, has a strong presence in Sydney’s Jewish community.
Police also revealed that investigators found several suspicious items, including improvised explosive devices, inside a vehicle linked to one of the suspects. Authorities said there was no specific intelligence warning ahead of the attack, though one suspect was known to the security services.
World leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, issued statements condemning the violence and expressing condolences. Security has since been increased at Jewish sites across Australia.
Mass shootings remain rare in Australia due to strict gun laws enacted after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Officials said the investigation into the Bondi Beach shooting is ongoing, with more details expected in the coming days.