Sydney Terror Gunmen Target Jewish Community at Bondi Beach 12 Ware Killed
- Twelve people were killed and 29 injured in a targeted shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, marking Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996.
- One gunman is dead, another is in critical condition in police custody, and authorities are investigating a potential third offender.
- Police discovered improvised explosive devices in a vehicle linked to the attackers, requiring intervention from a bomb disposal unit.
Australia is reeling from its deadliest mass shooting in nearly 30 years after a horrific terrorist attack at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach left twelve people dead. The violence unfolded on Sunday evening as more than 1,000 people gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah at the "Chanukah by the Sea" event. According to eyewitnesses and footage broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Corp., two gunmen clad in black opened fire from a footbridge overlooking the celebration, targeting the Jewish community.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation in a late night press conference, condemning the shooting as a "targeted attack" and vowing an uncompromising crackdown on anti Semitism. "There are nights that tear at our nation’s soul," he stated, urging unity in the face of this tragedy. The incident has been officially designated as a terrorist attack by New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon.
In the ensuing chaos, one of the gunmen was killed, reportedly after being tackled and disarmed by a brave bystander. A second suspect was apprehended and is currently in critical condition in the hospital. Police are also investigating the possibility of a third offender being involved. The attack left at least 29 people injured, including a child and two police officers, who were rushed to hospitals across Sydney.
The threat extended beyond the shooting itself. Commissioner Lanyon confirmed that several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were discovered in a vehicle linked to the deceased gunman on Campbell Parade. A rescue bomb disposal unit was deployed to the scene to neutralize the devices, further underscoring the planned and lethal nature of the assault.
This tragedy strikes at the heart of Sydney's Jewish community, which has a significant presence in the Bondi area. Tensions have been high since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza in October 2023, with reports of local synagogues and businesses being targeted prior to this attack. Israeli officials reacted swiftly, with Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticizing the Australian government for ignoring "warning signs" of rising anti Semitism.
The scale of the violence is unprecedented in recent Australian history, marking the worst mass shooting since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996. As the investigation continues, including police raids in Sydney's west, the nation mourns the loss of life during what should have been a festival of light and celebration.