Sydney shooting: Attack on Bondi Beach Jewish event leaves 12 dead, 29 injured

At least 12 people, including one of the two shooters, were killed and 29 were injured in a mass shooting at a Jewish event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach in Australia on Sunday (December 14), spreading panic among beachgoers. Authorities have asked the public to avoid the spot, adding that anyone in the vicinity of the incident should take shelter.

According to ABC News, the second shooter is among the injured, and multiple police officers are responding to the situation. The suspect was in critical condition, authorities said. A massive emergency response was underway, with injured people loaded into ambulances.

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

One of the shooters identified

One of the gunmen has been identified as Naveed Akram, a resident of Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s south-west, ABC News reported. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told ABC News that police were carrying out a raid at Akram’s home in Bonnyrigg.

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The gunmen allegedly opened fire from a bridge at a crowd that had gathered to celebrate Hanukkah. Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Director-General Mike Burgess said authorities were examining the identities of the attackers.

When asked whether any of the shooters were on ASIO watchlists, Burgess said one of the individuals was known to the agency, but was not considered an immediate threat. “So we need to look into what happened here,” he said.

Scenes of panic at the spot

At least 29 people were confirmed wounded, said Mal Lanyon, the police commissioner for New South Wales state, where Sydney is located. Two of those hurt were police officers.

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“This attack was designed to target Sydney's Jewish community,” the state's Premier Chris Minns said. The massacre was declared a terrorist attack due to the event targeted and the weapons used, Lanyon said.

Hundreds had gathered for an event at Bondi Beach called Chanukah by the Sea, which was celebrating the start of the Hanukkah Jewish festival.

Dramatic footage apparently filmed by a member of the public and broadcast on Australian television channels showed someone appearing to tackle and disarm one of the gunmen, before pointing the man's weapon at him.

Taking to X, former England skipper, Michael Vaughan said that he was inside a restaurant in Bondy, but returned home safely. "Being locked in a restaurant in Bondi was scary .. Now home safe .. but thanks so much to the emergency services and the guy who confronted the terrorist .. thoughts with all who have been affected," stated Vaughan.

What police said

Police said their operation was “ongoing" and that a “number of suspicious items located in the vicinity” were being examined by specialist officers, including an improvised explosive device found in one of the suspect's cars. Emergency services were called to Campbell Parade about 6.45 pm, responding to reports of shots being fired.

Local news outlets spoke to distressed and bloody bystanders. Lanyon said the death toll from the shooting was “fluid” and that injured people were still arriving at hospitals.

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“Our heart bleeds for Australia's Jewish community tonight,” Minns told reporters in Sydney. “I can only imagine the pain that they're feeling right now to see their loved ones killed as they celebrate this ancient holiday.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement that his thoughts were with all those affected.

“The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing,” he said. “Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives.”

Australian PM's statement

Taking to X, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as "shocking and distressing". "The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing. Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected. I have just spoken to the AFP Commissioner and with the NSW Premier. We are working with the NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed. I urge people in the vicinity to follow information from the NSW Police," he added.

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Earlier, the Prime Minister’s Office said the federal government was monitoring the situation closely. “We are aware of an active security situation in Bondi and urge people in the area to follow updates and instructions issued by NSW Police,” a spokesperson for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

Meanwhile, police have cordoned off sections of the beach and surrounding areas and said operations were continuing as the situation was being assessed. Authorities have advised BOTH residents and tourists to avoid Bondi Beach until further information is made available.

PM Modi condemns attack

Describing the incident as a "ghastly terrorist attack", Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with the people of Australia. "Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones," stated PM Modi in a post on X.

"We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief. India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and supports the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism," he added.

(With agency inputs)