At least 11 people were killed on Sunday after two gunmen opened fire on Australia’s Bondi Beach during an event marking the start of Hanukkah, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said.
Minns stated that police have designated the attack as a terrorist incident.
He noted that the shooting targeted Sydney’s Jewish community and occurred on the first day of Hanukkah.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah,” Minns said at the start of a news conference on Sunday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, describing it as an “act of evil anti-Semitism.”
New South Wales Police said 29 other people were injured in the shooting, including two police officers.
Authorities also confirmed that one suspect died, while a second suspected shooter was in critical condition.
Police said shots were fired along the popular boardwalk on Sunday night, causing hundreds of beachgoers to flee the area.
Video taken at 6:42 p.m. and verified by ABC News showed people running from the north side of the beach. Officers said the first report of shots fired came in around 6:45 p.m. local time.
“The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing,” Albanese said in a statement. “Police and emergency services are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected.”
Police initially urged the public to avoid the area and seek shelter. In a later update, authorities said the operation was still ongoing and continued to warn people to stay away.
“Two people are in police custody at Bondi Beach, however the police operation continues and we continue to urge people to avoid the area,” police said. “Please obey ALL police instructions. Do not cross police lines.”
Images from the scene showed a heavy police and emergency presence, and several victims were carried away on stretchers.
The Australian Jewish Association said the shooting took place during an event held on the beach to mark the start of Hanukkah celebrations.
“Please pray for the Australian Jewish community,” the group said in a statement.
Australian opposition leader Sussan Ley described the attack as hateful violence directed at a national monument and its people.
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“This attack occurred as our Jewish community gathered for a Hanukkah celebration by the sea,” Ley said. “This was a celebration of peace and hope for the future, cut short by hate.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned the shooting, calling it a terrorist attack against the Jewish community.
“At this very moment, our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack against Jews who went to light the first Hanukkah candle on Bondi Beach,” he said.
Albanese said he had been in contact with New South Wales officials as investigations continued.
“We are working with NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed,” he said. “I urge people in the surrounding area to follow the information from NSW Police.”
(ABC News)
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