A major police operation is under way at Bondi Beach after reports of multiple gunshots and several casualties, prompting authorities to urge the public to avoid the area and take shelter.
NSW Police confirmed that two people are in custody but said the operation remains active. Officers have established police lines around the popular beachfront and warned people not to cross them.
“We continue to urge people to avoid the area,” police said.
“Please obey all police directions and do not cross police lines.”
The alert was issued shortly before 7pm, after residents reported police vehicles streaming into Bondi and large crowds fleeing the beach and nearby Campbell Parade. Witnesses said hundreds of people were in the area at the time.
Police sources indicated one man, believed to be a shooter, was shot by officers, while another man was arrested. Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of casualties.
The Australian Jewish Association (AJA) has expressed alarm following the incident at Bondi Beach, linking it to long-standing security concerns raised with the government.
In posts shared on X, the AJA said footage showed a man appearing to “stomp on a suspected terrorist,” adding,
“How many times did we warn the Government? We never felt once that they listened. Tragic but no surprise.”
The group further claimed the shooting occurred at a Chanukah event, urging public support and prayer for the Jewish community.
“Please pray for the Australian Jewish community. We warned so many times that this was coming. We never once felt the Government took the warnings seriously.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns described the reports and images emerging from Bondi as “deeply distressing” and said the government was receiving ongoing briefings from police.
The Prime Minister’s office also confirmed to media that they are aware of an “active security situation” and urged people in the vicinity to follow NSW Police advice.
Police have asked anyone in the area to remain sheltered while officers work to determine what has occurred. The beach remains locked down as investigations continue, with further information to be released when confirmed.
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