At least 11 people were killed in a gun attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, targeting Australia’s Jewish community during a Hanukkah gathering, police reported. The New South Wales Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon, confirmed that the shooting has been declared a ‘terrorist’ incident. The attack occurred on Sunday evening, leaving 29 others injured, including two police officers, as gunmen opened fire on a crowd of more than 1,000 attendees.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as a “devastating” and “targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith.” He emphasized, “There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear: We will eradicate it.”
Details of the Attack
According to police, one of the suspected shooters was killed, while another is in critical condition. An improvised explosive device was discovered in a car linked to the deceased suspect. Authorities are investigating the possibility of a third individual being involved in the attack, with special powers authorized to prevent further threats.
Dramatic footage aired by Al Jazeera showed a bystander tackling one of the suspects and disarming him, while another armed man was seen shooting from a bridge. Witness Camilo Diaz, a 25-year-old student from Chile, recounted the terrifying moments, describing the gunfire as “just bang, bang, bang.”
Witness Accounts and Reactions
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that the attack took place near the Bondi Pavilion, where a Chanukah by the Sea event was underway. Witnesses described two black-clad armed men shooting at the gathered crowds. Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the “cruel” shooting, highlighting the attack on Hanukkah celebrations.
In a statement, the Australian National Imams Council condemned the attack as a “horrific” act of violence, urging unity and compassion. Opposition leader Sussan Ley also expressed grief, calling the violence “hateful” and praising the bravery of those who responded to the danger.
Historical Context and Gun Laws
This tragic event has sent shockwaves across Australia, a country where gun violence in public spaces is rare due to strict national gun laws enacted after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania. Bondi Beach, a heavily policed area, is not accustomed to such violence, making the attack even more shocking to the community.
Journalist Danielle Robertson reported from Sydney that police presence has been significantly increased around Bondi Beach, with officers patrolling and urging people to stay clear of the area. The attack has reignited discussions on security and anti-Semitism in Australia.
Political and Community Responses
Political analyst Mark Kenny noted that Prime Minister Albanese’s address was one of his most resolute public statements, aiming to reassure both the Jewish and broader communities about the government’s determination to maintain social cohesion and pursue those responsible for the attack.
“We saw there a very resolute Australian prime minister determined to reassure the community, reassure the Jewish community, but also the broader community about the need for social cohesion in Australia and the government’s determination to hunt down anyone involved in this.”
The attack has prompted calls for increased vigilance and unity against hate-driven violence. As investigations continue, the nation grapples with the implications of this event on its multicultural fabric and the safety of its communities.
Moving forward, Australian authorities are expected to intensify efforts to prevent similar incidents, with a focus on bolstering security measures and addressing the root causes of such extremist actions.
