- The death toll in the Bondi Beach attack has risen to at least 16 people, including a child.
- The New South Wales health minister, Ryan Park, confirmed on Monday (local time) that four people including a child died in hospital overnight. The number of people injured now stands at 38.
- Shooting occurred at event celebrating Jewish festival of Hanukkah
- “Shocking and distressing” – prime minister Anthony Albanese says responders working to save lives
- Bystander who tackled armed man at Bondi Beach shooting hailed as hero
- ‘I heard 40, 50 shots’: Witnesses fled Bondi Beach as gunmen targeted Jewish event
- Irish living in Sydney say they are shocked by the shootings.
A Holocaust survivor is among victims of the Bondi attack, the Guardian reports.
Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, his wife Larisa Kleytman told reporters outside St Vincent’s hospital overnight. The couple were both Holocaust survivors and had emigrated from Ukraine to Australia.
NSW police commissioner Mal Lanyon has confirmed the two alleged gunmen – a 50-year-old man and 24-year-old man – were father and son.
The father was shot dead by police, while the son is in critical but stable condition in hospital. Mr Lanyon says police are not looking for a further offender.
The 50-year-old male was a licensed firearms holder, with six firearms licensed to him.
As part of the investigation, two search warrants were conducted - one at Bonnyrigg and a second at Campsie, in the Sydney suburbs.
There were two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found at the scene that were active but not detonated, and were taken and rendered safe by police. - Guardian
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan raised concerns about the safety of the Jewish community in Ireland in Ireland earlier this year and again on Sunday in the wake of the terrorist attack on Bondi beach, writes political correspondent Ellen Coyne.
“I want to reassure them of our support in the aftermath of the appalling terrorist attack in Sydney,” Mr O’Callaghan said.
Mr O’Callaghan confirmed that he spoke to the Garda Commissioner on Sunday evening “about ensuring there is adequate protection for the Jewish community in Ireland”.
“In fact, I spoke to him many months ago about ensuring that such protection was in place for the Jewish community. The commissioner has assured me and the Chief Rabbi of his commitment to the safety of the Jewish community,” Mr O’Callaghan said.
French foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, has confirmed French man Dan Elkayam is among those killed in the shooting. In a translated post from X, Barrot said France mourned with his family and loved ones, with the Jewish community and the Australian people. - Guardian
US President Donald Trump has called the mass shooting a “terrible attack” that “was an antisemitic attack, obviously”.
He also praised the man who tackled one of the gunmen. Trump sent his well wishes to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian people, noting the two countries had a great relationship. “That’s a terrible situation going on over there,” he said during a White House event on Sunday.
Other US politicians have condemned the “vile antisemitic” attack including Bernie Sanders and Zohran Mamdani.
In Britain, King Charles III has said he is “appalled and saddened” by the Bondi Beach terror attack. In a statement issued on social media, he said he and his wife Camilla’s hearts “go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully”. - Guardian
The death toll in the Bondi beach attack has risen to at least 16 people, including a child.
The New South Wales health minister, Ryan Park, confirmed on Monday (local time) that four people including a child died in hospital overnight. The number of people in hospital with injuries now stands at 40.
The child was one of four children taken to Sydney Children’s Hospital following the attack.
Park said 100 ambulance workers and paramedics had been involved in the response.
“What we saw last night was the worst of humanity, but at the same time, the very best of humanity,” he said. “I caught up with paramedics last night at Randwick ambulance station as they came back from this horrendous scene, and it’s just heartbreaking to hear their experiences.”
One of the alleged gunmen was among the dead. A second man was arrested at the beach, and the NSW police minister, Mal Laynon, said late Sunday that police were investigating a possible third gunman.
Bondi beach will remain closed on Monday, NSW police said, while the investigation continues. - Guardian
Palestine’s ministry of foreign affairs ‘condemns’ shooting
The Palestinian ministry of foreign affairs has said it “condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack” at Bondi Beach.
It said it rejected “all forms of violence, terrorism, and extremism, which contradict humanitarian values and ethical principles”.
“The Ministry extends its sincerest condolences and sympathies to the government and people of Australia, and to the families of the victims in this sinful attack, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.”
41-year-old London-born rabbi named as a victim
London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger has been named as one of the victims killed in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
The father-of-five, who was assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, a Jewish cultural centre, grew up in Temple Fortune, north London, and had family members of Kinloss synagogue in Finchley, according to Jewish News.
The 41-year-old and his wife, Chayala, celebrated the birth of their youngest child, a boy, two months ago.
His first cousin, Brighton-based Rabbi Zalman Lewis, told Jewish News: “How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?
“We can only respond by doing what Eli would have wanted, what he dedicated his life to – doing more mitzvot (good deeds) and to keep spreading positive energy.” - PA
Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu has said he had warned his Australian counterpart that the country’s policies were “promoting and encouraging anti-Semitism in Australia”.
Referring to a letter he sent to Anthony Albanese in August, he wrote that the Australian Government’s “call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the anti-Semitic fire”.
The letter was sent after the Australian government announced its intention to recognise the state of Palestine. It gave formal recognition in September, alongside the UK, Portugal and Canada.
Speaking during a televised address on Sunday, Mr Netanyahu claimed the Australian government “did nothing to stop the spread of anti-Semitism in Australia”.
“You let the disease spread, and the result is the horrific attack on Jews we saw today,” he said.
Mr Netanyahu described anti-Semitism as a “cancer” that spreads “when leaders stay silent”.
“I call upon you to replace weakness with action,” he said.
Israeli citizen among those killed
One Israeli citizen was among those killed after gunmen fired on a Jewish holiday event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, the Israeli foreign ministry has said.
President Catherine Connolly has said she is “deeply shocked and saddened following the appalling and anti-Semitic attack on a Jewish community at Bondi Beach in Sydney”.
“I wish to offer my deepest sympathy to the Jewish community everywhere at this time, mindful of the beginning of this Hannukah period.
“I offer these condolences on behalf of the people of Ireland to the people of Australia, especially all who have lost loved ones and those who have been injured.
“I particularly join with all those Irish people living in Sydney who will be appalled by this horrific act of violence,” she said.
The President added that such violence is to be “utterly condemned and has no place for all of us who are committed to peace in our world”.
Gardaí to increase presence at Irish Jewish community events and centres
There will be “increased Garda patrols” at centres and events for the Irish Jewish community following the shooting at Bondi Beach, a Garda spokesperson has said.
“Liaison Inspectors have been appointed to ensure An Garda Síochána continues its ongoing engagement with the Jewish community to provide them with reassurance and support.
“Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly is scheduled to speak to the Chief Rabbi of Ireland Yoni Wieder later today to express his sympathies to the Irish Jewish community and speak about these measures.”
Global leaders must “examine their words and their actions” following the “horrific atrocity” in Sydney, the chair of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland has said.
Maurice Cohen said the Jewish community in Ireland extends its “deepest condolences to the families and friends of those brutally murdered and seriously injured”.
“No community should have to live in fear that ordinary places of life and leisure can become scenes of terror,” he said.
He added that violence and terror of this nature “does not arise in a vacuum”.
“It is time for leaders in all countries to examine their words and their actions and to reflect honestly on whether rhetoric that dehumanises, inflames or excuses hatred has consequences.
“There must be a renewed commitment to responsibility in public discourse and to the protection of all communities and to understand the lived experience of Jewish people in today’s world.”
Local news channel Seven News is reporting that the man who disarmed the gunman is 43-year-old fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed.
The father of two was shot twice in the arm, with a relative telling the news channel that he remains in hospital.
The relative said he was told by a doctor that he is “okay”.
“We hope that he will be fine, he’s a hero,” he said.
A bystander captured on video tackling and disarming an armed man during an attack in which 12 people were shot dead at a Jewish holiday event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach has been hailed as a hero whose actions potentially saved lives.
Footage circulating on social media shows a man in a car park wearing a white shirt running up to a man in a dark shirt who is holding a rifle. He then tackles the armed man from behind, wrenching the rifle from him with his hands before pointing the gun back at the man.
Chris Minns, the premier of New South Wales state, where Sydney is located, said it was the “most unbelievable scene I’ve ever seen”.
Read more here.
We all panicked and started running: Eyewitnesses describe hearing ‘40 or 50 shots’
Eyewitnesses have described having nowhere to go and feeling confused during the shooting at Bondi beach Sunday evening.
“We all panicked and started running as well. So we left everything behind, like flip-flops, everything. We just ran through the hill,” said Marcos Carvalho.
The 38-year-old was getting ready to leave the beach and return home when the sound of gunshots rang out.
“I must have heard, I don’t know, maybe, like, 40, 50 shots,” he said.
Restaurant worker William Doliente Petty said he was serving someone when he heard the gunshots close by.
“The whole shop just stood up and we ran into the back exit,” he said.
Sergi Cánovas, who had just left Bondi beach with his family, described “very continuous shooting” – and saw people starting to run.
Eating at a nearby sushi restaurant, they hid under the table.
As the shots continued, they crawled through the kitchen to a backyard with a group of people.
“A ... very nice lady, she opened the door of her house,” he said. “We went all inside and then we just put all the shutters down and just wait there.”
Read more here.
Australia has experienced a string of anti-Semitic attacks on synagogues, buildings and cars since the beginning of Israel’s war in Gaza in October 2023.
Cars have been set alight and buildings have been vandalised in Sydney’s east, an area with a large Jewish population.
Synagogues have also been torched and graffitied with swastikas.
See a timeline of attacks here.
‘It was pretty terrifying’: Eyewitness recalls Bondi Beach shooting
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has described the Bondi Beach attack as a “further manifestation of the murderous hate spawned by anti-Semitism”.
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London’s Met Police to increase visibility in Jewish communities
London’s Metropolitan Police is increasing its visibility in Jewish communities ahead of any Hanukkah events in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack, the mayor of London has said.
In a post on X, Sadiq Khan said: “My thoughts and condolences – along with the rest of London – are with everyone affected by the horrific attack at Bondi Beach, Australia today.”
A statement from the force said the attack at Bondi Beach will cause “not just terrible upset but also significant heightened concern about safety”.
It said it is working closely with partners to provide an “increased presence around synagogues and other community venues at this important time”.
“While there is no information to suggest any link between the attack in Sydney and the threat level in London, this morning we are stepping up our police presence, carrying out additional community patrols and engaging with the Jewish community to understand what more we can do in the coming hours and days.
“We always encourage the public to be vigilant at events and in public places. If you see anything suspicious, trust your instincts and tell us.”
‘Improvised explosive devices’ found in a car at Bondi Beach
“Several improvised explosive devices” have been found in a car at Bondi Beach linked to the deceased gunman, New South Wales Police commissioner Mal Lanyon has said.
“Shortly after the shooting occurred, police located a vehicle in Campbell Parade at Bondi, which we believe has several improvised explosive devices.
“We have our rescue bomb disposal unit there at the moment working on that,” he said.
Mr Lanyon added that the deceased offender had been known to the authorities, but there had been no “specific threat”.
“What I said is that we are aware of the person. That does not mean there was any specific threat posed by that person.
“If the police had had intelligence there was a risk to the community or to this event, we would have taken significant action,” he said.
Police investigating if third gunman involved
Police are currently investigating whether a third gunman was involved in the shooting at Bondi Beach, New South Wales police commissioner Mal Lanyon has said.
Mr Lanyon declared the shooting a terrorist incident shortly after 9.30pm local time.
“I have also authorised special powers under section Five and section six 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,” he said.
He added that police will “focus to ensure that there is no further threat to the public”.
Mr Lanyon said the conditions of the 29 people transported to various hospitals across Sydney, including two police officers, are “serious, but there is a range of conditions”.
“Our thoughts, prayers and love go to all the families and all of those that were involved tonight, we know that there were many people there to celebrate a happy occasion, the celebration of Hannukah.
“And there was well over 1,000 people there when this took place. As a result of the circumstances of the incident tonight I declared this to be a terrorist incident.”
Mr Lanyon asked for calm to return to the communities affected following the shooting.
“This is a time where I want to make sure that there is no retribution. The police are investigating thoroughly. Allow the police to do our job.
“We will work closely with community, and I will continue to provide updates about the investigation as they go on.”
New South Wales premier Chris Minns said the incident saw “extraordinary acts of personal courage and bravery from individuals in our community”.
“And I think it’s worth remembering that in all of this evil, in all of this sadness, there are still wonderful, brave Australians that are prepared to risk their lives to help a complete stranger.”
It comes as a video posted on social media shows a passerby who appears to tackle a man with a gun at Bondi Beach. In the video, the man wrestles the weapon away from him, resulting in the gunman backing away.
Mr Albanese said it was “an act of evil, anti-Semitism, terrorism”, adding that police and security agencies are working to determine anyone associated with the incident.
“This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith.
“An act of evil, anti-Semitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation, an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian, and every Australian tonight will be like me, devastated on this attack on our way of life.
“There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear, we will eradicate it,” he said.
29 people taken to hospital following ‘act of terror’
A total of 29 people have been taken to hospital, including two police officers, following the Bondi Beach shooting, Mal Lanyon, New South Wales police commissioner has told a press conference in Sydney.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese described the shooting as “an act of terror”.
“The evil that was unleashed today at Bondi Beach is beyond comprehension,” he said.
At least 12 dead in attack ‘designed to target’ local Jewish community
At least 12 people have been killed in a gun attack at Bondi Beach that was “designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community”.
The 12 fatalities includes one of the offenders.
New South Wales premier Chris Minns told a press conference: “I very sadly need to report that, as of now, there are at least 12 individuals that have been killed.
“One of the offenders has also been killed and one is in custody,” he said.
Mr Minns said two individuals began firing at a crowd of people gathered shortly after 6.45pm local time.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah, what should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters, has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack.”
Mr Minns called on all Australians to “wrap their arms around Australia’s Jewish community and help them get through this incredibly difficult period.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris said he is “horrified” by the attack, adding that his thoughts are “with the people of Australia and the Jewish community during this time of profound pain”.
“The spectre of hate and violence must never be tolerated,” he said.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he is “shocked and appalled” by the gun attack.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said her department is not aware of any Irish citizens being “impacted directly by these awful events”.
She said the Irish consulate in Sydney is continuing to monitor the incident closely and will remain in close contact with Irish citizens locally.
“I want to express my shock and horror at the incident 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 on X.
‘Shocking and distressing’ scenes in Bondi, says Australian PM
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the scenes in Bondi as “shocking and distressing”.
“Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected.
“I just have spoken to the AFP commissioner and the NSW premier.
“We are working with NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed.
“I urge people in the vicinity to follow information from the NSW Police.”
“Suspicious items” are being examined at the scene of the shooting on Bondi Beach, the New South Wales Police Force said.
“A number of suspicious items located in the vicinity are being examined by specialist officers and an exclusion zone is in place.
“A multi-agency response is continuing,” it said.
The force said an “extensive crime scene” has been established and inquiries are now under way.
“There have been no reports of any other incidents in Sydney connected to this incident.” – PA
The shooting happened at an event at the beach celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, which began at sundown.
“This is the Jewish community at its best coming together to mark a happy occasion. If we were targeted deliberately in this way, it’s something of a scale that none of us could have ever fathomed. It’s a horrific thing,” Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, told Sky News in an interview.
Mr Ryvchin added that his media adviser had been wounded in the attack.
Israeli president Isaac Herzog said: “Our hearts go out to them ... we pray for the recovery of the wounded, we pray for them, and we pray for those who lost their lives.”
Ten people are confirmed dead, including a one believed to be an attacker, following a mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, according to Australian police.
Eighteen people have been hospitalised and multiple people treated at the scene, according to New South Wales Ambulance Service.
New South Wales Police said a second gunman was “critically injured”, with two police officers among the other people injured.
Two people are in custody and a police investigation was ongoing, the force said. It urged people to avoid the area.
Emergency services were called to the scene at about 6.45pm local time.
More than 40 ambulance resources were deployed, including helicopter and road crews.
