Sydney Horror as Hanukkah Gathering Hit by Terror Attack, 11 Dead

Sydney Horror as Hanukkah Gathering Hit by Terror Attack, 11 Dead

At least 11 people have been killed in a gun attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that targeted Australia’s Jewish community, with authorities formally declaring the incident a terrorist attack, according to police.

The New South Wales Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon, said on Sunday that 29 injured people, including two police officers, were taken to hospital after gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah gathering attended by more than 1,000 people. One suspected shooter was killed during the incident, while a second remains in critical condition.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the shooting as a “devastating and targeted attack on Jewish Australians” on the first day of Hanukkah, a celebration he said should have been marked by joy and faith. He vowed that hate, violence and terrorism would not be tolerated in Australia.

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Police also confirmed the discovery of an improvised explosive device (IED) inside a vehicle linked to the deceased suspect. Commissioner Lanyon said investigators were probing the possible involvement of a third attacker and that special counterterrorism powers had been authorised to prevent further violence.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as gunfire erupted near the Bondi Pavilion, with dramatic footage showing a bystander tackling one suspect and disarming him, while another gunman was seen firing from a nearby bridge. Witnesses reported hearing sustained gunshots lasting several minutes.

The attack occurred during the “Chanukah by the Sea” event, prompting widespread condemnation from local and international leaders. Israeli President Isaac Herzog denounced the shooting as a cruel terrorist attack on Jews, while Australian political leaders, Islamic organisations and community groups expressed solidarity with the victims and called for unity against anti-Semitism and extremism.

Investigations into the Bondi Beach terror attack, its motives and potential accomplices are ongoing.

Sydney Horror as Hanukkah Gathering Hit by Terror Attack, 11 Dead
— Al Jazeera