Gunmen murder 12, dozens more injured in Australia beach shooting spree

At least 12 people have been killed and 29 others injured after gunmen opened fire at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, prompting Australian authorities to declare the attack a terrorist incident.

The shooting occurred late Sunday evening at one of Australia’s most popular beaches, where about 1,000 people, including families with children, had gathered for the religious event.

Police say one of the attackers was shot dead at the scene, while another suspect has been arrested. Authorities are also investigating the possibility of a third assailant.

Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, condemned the violence in strong terms, describing it as “an act of evil antisemitism.”

He expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged full federal support for the ongoing investigation.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns praised a civilian who intervened during the attack, crediting him with saving lives.

Footage circulating on social media shows the bystander running toward an armed man in a car park, tackling him from behind and wrestling a rifle from his hands before placing the weapon on the ground.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Mr. Minns said the actions of the civilian were extraordinary.

“It’s the most unbelievable scene I’ve ever seen, a man walking up to a gunman who had fired on the community and single-handedly disarming him, putting his own life at risk to save the lives of countless other people,” he said. “That man is a genuine hero, and I’ve got no doubt that there are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery.”

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that special counterterrorism powers have been activated following the incident. “As a result of the circumstances of the incident tonight at 9:36 p.m. this evening, I declared this to be a terrorist incident,” he told a news conference.

Mr. Lanyon said the decision allows police to take broader measures as investigations continue. “I’ve also authorized 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,” he said.

He added that counterterrorism officers are leading the investigation with support from state crime units. “We will have a significant investigation. Our counterterrorism command will lead this investigation with investigators from the state crime command. No stone will be left unturned,” he said.

Urging the public to remain calm, the police commissioner stressed that safety remains the top priority.

“We will focus to ensure that there is no further threat to the public. This is a time of calm. This is a time to make sure that there is no retribution,” he said.

The New South Wales Police Force said officers were dispatched to Bondi Beach at about 6:45 p.m. on Sunday after receiving reports of gunfire at a public gathering.

Police confirmed that at least two gunmen were involved in the attack and said investigations are ongoing into whether a third suspect may have played a role.

At least 29 people were taken to hospital for treatment, among them two police officers who sustained injuries during the response, according to authorities.

Officials described the incident as the deadliest attack against Jewish people since the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023.

Investigators also disclosed that evidence of multiple improvised explosive devices was discovered inside a vehicle located near the scene, raising further security concerns as inquiries continue.