The authorities are now upgrading the bloody attack that occurred during a Jewish event for Hanukkah in Bondi, where more than 1,000 people were present, to a terrorist incident.
According to official information, at least 12 people died, while 29 more were injured, including two police officers who are hospitalized in a serious condition.
Targeted strike on Jewish community
New South Wales Premier Chris Means confirmed that, while a second person has been arrested and injured. At the same time, the police are investigating the possibility of the involvement of a third perpetrator. New South Wales Police Chief Mal Lanyon said at 9:36 p.m. local time the incident was officially declared a terrorist attack, as it was a targeted strike against the Jewish community.
Of particular concern is the fact that shortly after the shootings, a vehicle was found on Campbell Parade, near Bondi Beach, in which authorities believe there were improvised explosive devices. In fact, according to information, an improvised explosive device was found in a car in Bondi, which is connected to the dead attacker.
A special bomb disposal unit is operating at the site, while a wide exclusion zone has been set up, without its exact scope yet being clarified.
One perpetrator is known to the authorities
According to the Australian security services, one of the perpetrators was known to the authorities, but was not considered an immediate threat.
Picture of one of the gunmen at Sydney’s Bondi Beach
— Fatty Thrip (@fatty199202)
As a representative of the National Security Service stated, the case is still in the early stages and it is being examined how this particular man came to the point of participating in the attack.
Witnesses told of scenes of chaos, with gunshots fired in succession, about 30 in total, and a panicked crowd trying to escape.
Videos released on social media showed people running on the beach to the sound of sirens and gunshots, while police called on people via X to take shelter and avoid the area.
BREAKING: 🔴
At least seven people, including a police officer, have been shot at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.
Contributed by .
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613)
“Shocking and painful images”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the images from Sydney as “shocking and distressing”, announcing the convening of the national security committee. He said he is in constant communication with the Federal Police and New South Wales authorities, stressing that the priority remains protecting lives and fully investigating the attack.
Internationally, Israeli President Isaac Herzog denounced the attack as an “act of merciless terrorists” against Jews who had gathered to light the first candle of Hanukkah.
At the same time, Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, said that the number of dead may be higher than what has been officially announced, pointing out that since October 7 there has been an escalation of attacks and threats against the Jewish community internationally.
Netanyahu: I had warned Australia
A few hours after the deadly terrorist attack in Sydney during the Hanukkah celebration, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu made harsh statements, revealing that as early as August he had warned the Australian Prime Minister in a letter accusing his government of “adding fuel to the fire of anti-Semitism” with its policy.
As he said, Canberra’s stance, and in particular support for the recognition of a Palestinian state, encourages hatred against Jews, stressing that “anti-Semitism is a cancer that spreads when leaders remain silent.”
Netanyahu described the attack as a “horrific and cold-blooded murder”, noting that the death toll was constantly rising, while praising the act of a civilian who tried to disarm one of the attackers.
An unarmed Australian disarmed one of the terrorists during the mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.
Hero.
— Vivid.🇮🇱 (@VividProwess)
Mitsotakis’ message about the attack
“I am deeply shocked by today’s attacks in Sydney during the Hanukkah celebrations. I condemn this violence in the strongest terms. We stand in solidarity with Jewish communities everywhere. Anti-Semitism and hatred have no place in our societies,” the prime minister wrote in his message to X.
Deeply shocked by today’s attacks in Sydney during Hanukkah celebration. I condemn this violence in the strongest terms. We stand in solidarity with the Jewish communities everywhere. Antisemitism and hatred have no place in our societies.
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR)
“My heart goes out to the Jewish community”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “horrified” by the shootings on Bondi Beach.
“I condemn today’s heinous and deadly attack on Jewish families who had gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hanukkah,” he said in a post on X.
“My heart goes out to the Jewish community around the world on this first day of Hanukkah, a holiday that celebrates the miracle of peace and light overcoming darkness,” he added.
I am horrified and condemn today’s heinous deadly attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hannukah.
My heart is with the Jewish community worldwide on this first day of Hannukah, a festival celebrating the miracle of peace and light vanquishing darkness.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres)
The investigation is in full progress, while the authorities remain on high alert.
