Bondi Beach shooting: At least 12 dead in antisemitic terrorist attack in Sydney

Helen McEntee said the Government is not aware of any Irish citizens who have been impacted directly 'by these awful events'

At least 12 people have been killed and 29 injured in a terrorist attack targeting a Jewish celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australian police have said.

Two individuals armed with guns opened fire on a crowd in the Archer Park area of Bondi Beach at 6.47pm local time (7.47am Irish time) on Sunday, New South Wales (NSW) police said.

The attack has been declared a terrorist incident targeting a Hanukkah celebration at a park next to the beach on the first day of the Jewish festival of lights, the force confirmed.

NSW police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, said on Sunday that police were investigating a possible third gunman. 

He said police believed they had located several improvised explosive devices in a vehicle near the shooting shortly after the incident.

“I have also authorised special powers … to ensure that if there is a third offender, and we are currently investigating that at the moment, we will make sure that we prevent any further activity.” 

A small Christmas tree is at the center of an abandoned holiday picnic at Bondi Beach. Picture: AP Photo/Mark Baker

The co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Alex Ryvchin, said: “I think this was very deliberate and very targeted.”

Foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee said that at this stage, the Government is not aware of any Irish citizens who have been impacted directly "by these awful events". 

Ms McEntee said in a statement: "I want to express my shock and horror at the antisemitic attack on a Jewish community celebrating first day of Hanukkah which took place at Bondi Beach in Sydney over recent hours. All my thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones and the people of Australia."

She said the Irish consulate in Sydney "is continuing to monitor events and will remain in close contact with Irish citizens and the community locally".

Gardaí in Ireland are also increasing patrols at centres and events for the Irish Jewish community following the attack. 

Emergency workers transport a person on a stretcher after a reported shooting at Bondi Beach, in Sydney. Picture: AP/Mark Baker

NSW premier Chris Minns told reporters that at about 6.47pm local time (7.47am Irish time) individuals began firing on “a crowded group of families” on Bondi Beach at Archer Park.

“This cowardly act of terrifying violence is shocking and painful to see and represents some of our worst fears about terrorism in Sydney,” Mr Minns said.

“Our heart bleeds for Australia’s Jewish community tonight. I can only imagine the pain that they’re feeling right now to see their loved ones killed as they celebrate this ancient holiday.” 

Mr Lanyon confirmed the dead included a man believed to be one of at least two gunmen, with the second alleged shooter in a critical condition.

Two police officers were among 29 people transported to various hospitals, including at least one child.

Police said they had located “a number of suspicious items” in the vicinity, which were being examined by specialist officers.

“An exclusion zone is in place,” they said. Police said there were no reports of any other incidents in Sydney connected to the Bondi shooting.

More than 40 ambulance resources were scrambled to the incident, including helicopter and road units and specialist and intensive care paramedics.

The beach was packed with tourists and locals enjoying what had been a 32C day when the shots began. Olivia Matis told The Guardian she had been out for a run on the promenade when she heard what she thought were fireworks.

“Then I could see people crouching down and then people said: ‘Run’. There were just shots, shots, shots … I ran and just sprinted.” 

Ms Matiis said she heard about 50 shots.

People and emergency workers on Bondi Beach in Sydney. Picture: AP/Mark Baker

In a statement shared to X at about 7pm local time (8am Irish time) on Sunday, police advised there was a “developing incident” at Bondi and they urged the public to avoid the area.

“Anyone at the scene should take shelter,” NSW police said. “Police are on scene and more information will be provided when it comes to hand.” 

In a statement shared about 40 minutes later, police said two people were in custody.

“However, the police operation is ongoing and we continue to urge people to avoid the area,” police said. “Please obey ALL police directions. Do not cross police lines.” 

At 8.30pm local time (9.30am Irish time), a NSW police spokesperson said “there are no more active shooters”.

Footage of the incident was shared online following the shooting.

Video seen by Guardian Australia showed two men in black clothes crossing a bridge at Bondi beach and firing. Twelve shots could be heard. People could be heard screaming and one man shouted “fuck”.

Other footage appeared to show a man tackling an alleged gunman to the ground and disarming him. On Sunday evening, police appealed for anyone with mobile phone or dashcam footage to share it with them.

In a statement, prime minister Anthony Albanese said “the scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing”.

The national security committee of federal cabinet met on Sunday evening.

Mr Albanese said he had spoken with the Australian Federal Police commissioner Krissy Barrett and NSW premier Chris Minns.

“Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected,” he said.

In a statement, Mr Minns said “the reports and images coming out of Bondi tonight are deeply distressing”.

“Police and emergency services are responding and the public should follow official advice,” the premier said in a statement. “We will update the public as soon as more information becomes available.” 

Sunday was the first day of the Jewish festival Hanukkah.

“Join Chabad of Bondi for our Annual Chanukah Festival as We Celebrate Jewish Life by lighting up the Iconic Bondi Beach,” an advertisement for the event stated, with a start time of 5pm.

Speaking to 2GB, the co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Alex Ryvchin, said the shooting happened during the event.

Mr Ryvchin, who was not there, said he had spoken to the ECAJ’s director of media, who he said had been shot during the incident.

“Hundreds of people were gathered. It’s a family event,” Mr Ryvchin said on Sunday evening.

“They heard like dozens of popping sounds. And people just started running, running over barricades, grabbing their children. It was mayhem.

“I don’t think this was an attack that just happened to occur at Bondi beach. I think this was very deliberate and very targeted.”

• The Guardian 

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