Warning: This story contains details that may be distressing to some readers.
NSW Police have confirmed that 10 people are dead following a mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, including nine victims, with one shooter killed during the incident. Authorities say there is no longer an active threat.
Police said the shooting occurred just after 6.40pm near a Jewish community gathering at Bondi Beach, where hundreds of people had assembled for a Chanukah by the Sea event. Two people were taken into custody, and the broader police operation has now moved into an investigation phase.
NSW Police say the shooter they have in custody is in a critical condition. The other shooter died earlier this evening.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the scenes as “shocking and distressing”, confirming he had spoken with the Australian Federal Police Commissioner and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
“Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected,” the Prime Minister said. “I urge people in the vicinity to follow information from the NSW Police.”
NSW Ambulance said it responded to reports of multiple people shot at 6.45pm, deploying at least 25 resources including helicopters, intensive care paramedics and special operations units. Several people were treated at the scene for gunshot wounds, with others taken to St Vincent’s Hospital, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and St George Hospital. The extent of injuries has not been disclosed.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said Australia was “in deep mourning”, condemning what she described as “hateful violence” in a place “we all know so well and love”.
“This attack occurred as our Jewish community came together at the Chanukah by the Sea celebration — a celebration of peace and hope for the future, severed by hate,” Ley said.
“My heart is with Australia’s Jewish community tonight, particularly those in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.”
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said the shooting took place during a family-oriented Jewish community event. He said people heard dozens of gunshots before panic erupted.
Vision from the scene showed a chaotic aftermath, with injured people lying on the grass as paramedics worked to save lives. Footage circulating online also showed a member of the public tackling and disarming one of the alleged gunmen before police intervened.
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 Police have warned the public that details remain subject to confirmation and have asked people to avoid the area as investigations continue.
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