A peaceful seaside celebration turned into a night of terror as gunfire erupted near a Jewish gathering at Bondi Beach, leaving at least ten people dead, dozens injured, and Australia reeling from one of its darkest days.
At least ten people have been killed and several others injured following a shooting near Bondi Beach in Sydney, police have confirmed. The attack occurred close to Bondi Park Playground, where a Jewish Chanukah by the Sea event and related celebrations were taking place on Sunday evening.
Authorities said one gunman was shot dead at the scene, while a second shooter has been taken into custody and remains in critical condition. Police stressed that there is no longer an active shooter threat but urged the public to stay away from the area due to an ongoing bomb threat and the discovery of what has been described as an improvised explosive device.
The shooting began at around 6.40 pm, triggering panic among families and children gathered nearby. Sarah Frydman, who was attending a bar mitzvah with her daughter Scarlett, described the terrifying moments when people began screaming and running for cover. “People were telling us to run inside, so we hid behind the kitchen in a room,” she said. “There were lots of children there. The parents weren’t there because it was basically a kids’ party. There were lots of kids crying. It was really horrible.”
Ms Frydman said she believed she heard as many as 50 or 60 gunshots. “It just didn’t stop,” she recalled. She and her daughter remained hidden for about half an hour before police moved them into a hall, instructing them to stay low and away from windows.
Witness accounts painted scenes of chaos across Bondi. Finn, who was Facetiming his family in London at the time, said he initially thought the sounds were fireworks. “Then I saw a white car with a guy firing from his car, and I saw an older lady who was killed,” he said.
Another witness, Sally Jackson, said she heard around 20 shots and saw people fleeing the beach in their swimwear. She described women and children knocking on gates of nearby homes, begging for shelter. “They were incredibly distressed and scared,” she said.
NSW Police confirmed that emergency services responded rapidly, securing the area and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney was placed on emergency footing as staff were called in to handle the surge of patients. Twelve people were injured, including multiple police officers who responded to the attack.
A senior law enforcement official confirmed that one of the gunmen was Narveed Akram from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s south west, adding that his home was being raided by police as part of the investigation.
Jewish federal MP Julian Leeser described the shooting as a “terror attack” and a “horrifying tragedy,” noting that it occurred on the first night of Chanukah. He urged Australians to come together, support the Jewish community, and offer comfort to those affected. “Even in darkness, light endures,” he said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened an emergency meeting of the Cabinet’s National Security Committee and received briefings from all security agencies, including the Australian Federal Police. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government stood firmly with the victims and condemned the violence.
Leaders of the Australian Muslim community also issued a strong statement condemning the attack, expressing solidarity with victims and calling for unity, compassion, and rejection of violence in all forms.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog reacted with messages of prayer and support for the victims, while urging the Australian government to address rising antisemitism.
Police have warned that the number of casualties may rise as investigations continue and have appealed to the public for any mobile phone or dashcam footage related to the incident.
What began as a joyful evening by the sea has now become a moment of national grief, leaving families devastated, communities shaken, and Australia searching for answers in the aftermath of senseless violence.
