Twelve people have died – including one suspected gunman – after a terrorist attack on Sydney’s Bondi Beach targeted Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah, police have confirmed.
At least 29 people were injured in the mass shooting on Sunday evevning, including two police officers, while searches of the area continue after improvised explosive devices were found in a car near the scene.
A second suspected attacker detained following the incident is in a critical condition. New South Wales Police Force, who locked down the area and urged the public to take shelter, have said they will investigate whether there is a third attacker or anyone else linked to the atrocity.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting as “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism”.
Hundreds had gathered for an event called Chanukah by the Sea near Bondi Beach’s children’s park when the attack was launched.
Among the distressing videos circulating on social media, which could not be independently verified, dramatic footage showed a bystander, hailed as a hero, appearing to tackle and disarm one of the alleged gunmen.
Key Points
- Police confirm at least 12 people, including one shooter, killed in mass shooting
- Two men alleged to be shooters pictured by media
- Albanese calls Bondi Beach attack 'act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism'
- Watch: Moment Bondi Beach hero bystander tackles alleged gunman after mass shooting
- King 'appalled and saddened' by 'most dreadful' antisemitic attack
- Girl, 12, and rabbi among dead, senior figure in Jewish community tells CNN
- Mapped: Multiple people killed in Bondi beach shooting
Starmer condemns 'sickening' attack
15:27 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer is one of the many world leaders who have condemned Saturday’s antisemitic attack.
“Chanukah should be a time of celebration and joy. The news that the Bondi beach attack was an antisemitic terrorist attack against Jewish families at a Chanukah event is sickening,” he wrote on X.
“My thoughts are with the victims and their families. The United Kingdom will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community. We are actively working with the @CST_UK on the policing of Chanukah events.”
Chanukah should be a time of celebration and joy.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 14, 2025
The news that the Bondi beach attack was an antisemitic terrorist attack against Jewish families at a Chanukah event is sickening.
My thoughts are with the victims and their families.
The United Kingdom will always stand with…
British rabbi among those killed in attack
15:11 , Athena StavrouLondon-born rabbi Eli Schlanger has been named as one of the victims of 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.”
King 'appalled and saddened' by 'most dreadful' attack
15:00 , Athena StavrouThe King has said he and the Queen are “appalled and saddened” by the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in a statement.
Charles paid tribute to police, emergency services and “heroic” members of the public, as he said the “the light at the heart of the Chanukah Festival” will always “triumph over the darkness of such evil”.
“My wife and I are appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people attending the Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach,” he wrote.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community. We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy.
“In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia - and the light at the heart of the Chanukah Festival - will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”
A message from The King to the people of Australia following the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. pic.twitter.com/yopJaWZF9s
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 14, 2025
Two men alleged to be shooters pictured by media
14:48 , Tara CobhamTwo men who are alleged to be the gunmen in the mass shooting at Bondi beach have been pictured by media.
In images and videos shown on Sky News, the alleged shooters appear to be holding guns.
Israeli citizen among those killed, Israeli foreign ministry says
14:35 , Tara CobhamAn Israeli citizen was among those killed in the Bondi beach shooting attack, the Israeli foreign ministry has said.
Girl, 12, and rabbi among dead, senior figure in Jewish community tells CNN
14:32 , Tara CobhamA 12-year-old girl and a rabbi are among those killed in the mass shooting at Bondi beach, a senior figure within the Jewish community has told CNN.
Alexander Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, told the broadcaster: “I know everyone who was there (at the Hanukkah celebration). That’s an event where I attend with my family every single year,” adding that he only did not this year due to diary conflicts.
Ryvchin told the broadcaster that a rabbi is among the dead, describing him as “one of the kindest and most beautiful human beings I’ve ever known”.
He also told CNN that one of his friends “lost his 12-year-old daughter, who succumbed to her wounds in hospital”.
“We’re a very close knit community, and this event is kind of the gem of our year. It’s something we look forward to every year,” he said.
“The fact that it’s turned into a blood bath, the fact that people plotted, acquired weapons, came there knowing that there would be children there, that there would be elderly people, families, defenseless people, just gathered there in peace, and they slaughtered them in cold blood. This is something that will transform our country.”
'Jews gathering to celebrate life have yet again been met by death meted out by evil terrorists'
14:26 , Tara CobhamA spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism said: "Jews gathering to celebrate life have yet again been met by death meted out by evil terrorists. We pray for the families of those who have been taken from us in Australia, and for the recovery of those fighting for their lives.
"When people call to 'globalise the intifada', this is what they are calling for: dead Jews, terrorism and families shattered forever.
"As the horrific news broke, we were immediately reminded of one atrocity after another, from the Yom Kippur attack in Manchester to the Simchat Torah attack on October 7 in Israel.
"For many Jews, this is increasingly what the world feels like - a place where we are either being vilified, or slaughtered, or sent thoughts and prayers, but never protected.
"The West must stand unequivocally against the evil ideology that wrought this massacre, not just in word but in deed. The guns that today slaughter Jews will tomorrow turn on others."
Briton 'saw people being shot down' outside his window
14:09 , Tara CobhamA Briton has said he was in his apartment when he heard what he thought were fireworks going off – before seeing people being shot down outside his window.
When he went to his window to see what was going on, Fin Green told the BBC he saw a man “letting shots off” from on top of a white car.
Mr Green told the broadcaster he saw people "running and screaming", sprinting towards his building to take shelter.
He said he quickly shut his blinds and rushed to hide in his wardrobe.
Eyewitness describes hearing 'bunch of pops' while walking to go surfing with friends
14:02 , Tara CobhamAn eyewitness has described “a bunch of pops” as he was walking to meet friends to go surfing.
Nico, who is from the US but has lived in Bondi for half a year, told the BBC he then saw people running and his reaction was: “Just run.”
He said the shots “felt really close” and it felt like they were firing for an “eternity”.
Survivor of Hamas' 7 October attack reportedly among those injured in Bondi beach shooting
13:58 , Tara CobhamA man who survived Hamas’ 7 October attack in Israel is reportedly among those injured in the mass shooting at Bondi beach.
Describing the attack as “a bloodbath, it was an absolute massacre”, he told Australian outlet 9News: “I was here with my family, it was a Hanukkah celebration, there were hundreds of people, there were children, there were elderly, families enjoying themselves.”
Ex-England cricket captain Vaughan 'took shelter in Bondi restaurant' during attack
13:55 , Tara CobhamFormer England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has said he was among the people who fled Bondi beach during the mass shooting.
Vaughan, who is in Australia covering the ongoing Ashes series, said in a post on social media: “Being locked in a restaurant in Bondi was scary. Now home safe.
“But thanks so much to the emergency services and the guy who confronted the terrorist.
“Thoughts with all who have been affected.”
Being locked in a restaurant in Bondi was scary .. Now home safe .. but thanks so much to the emergency services and the guy who confronted the terrorist .. thoughts with all who have been affected .. xxx
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 14, 2025
US condemns mass shooting at Bondi Beach
13:44 , Tara CobhamThe United States "strongly condemns" the attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on Sunday.
"Antisemitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia," Rubio wrote in a post on X.
The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Australia targeting a Jewish celebration.
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) December 14, 2025
Antisemitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia.
Green Party leader says 'our community is once again mourning'
13:42 , Tara CobhamGreen Party leader Zack Polanski, who is Jewish, said "our community is once again mourning".
"I'm on my way to a Chanukah event. It should be a celebration, but instead our community is once again mourning," he said.
"I will be thinking of everyone in Australia and those around the world in the Jewish Community who know this fear and loss."
Watch: Bondi Beach shooting bystander hailed as 'hero' after tackling suspect to the ground
13:10 , Tara CobhamMet 'stepping up' police presence as Jewish community celebrate Hanukkah in London
13:05 , Amy-Clare MartinThe Metropolitan Police is "stepping up" patrols in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack as Jewish Londoners celebrate Hanukkah.
In a statement, the force said: "It is an awful reality that Jewish communities across the world continue to face a higher level of threat. At a time when London’s Jewish communities are coming together to begin the celebration of Hanukkah, we know this attack will be the cause of not just terrible upset but also significant heightened concern about safety.
"We were already working closely with partners, including the Community Security Trust, 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.”
Hero bystander who tackled alleged gunmen was shot twice, according to local reports
13:01 , Tara CobhamThe man being hailed as a hero for tackling one of the alleged gunmen was shot twice, according to local reports.
Despite the two bullet wounds, his relative told 7NEWS Australia that he is in hospital and recovering well.
The news outlet reported that the bystander was a 43-year-old fruit shop owner from the Sutherland Shire.
Speaking outside a Sydney hospital where victims from the attack are being treated, his family member said: “We hope he will be fine, he is a hero, 100 per cent, he is a hero.”
Head of UN 'horrified by heinous attack on Jewish families'
12:50 , Tara CobhamThe head of the UN has said he is “horrified and condemn today’s heinous deadly attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hannukah”.
In a statement posted on social media, António Guterres added: “My heart is with the Jewish community worldwide on this first day of Hannukah, a festival celebrating the miracle of peace and light vanquishing darkness.”
I am horrified and condemn today’s heinous deadly attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hannukah.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) December 14, 2025
My heart is with the Jewish community worldwide on this first day of Hannukah, a festival celebrating the miracle of peace and light vanquishing darkness.
Watch live: Sydney’s Bondi Beach in the aftermath of a terror attack that killed 12
12:38 , Tara CobhamNew South Wales premier hails man who wrestled gun from shooter a 'genuine hero'
12:24 , Amy-Clare MartinChris Minns, the premier of New South Wales, has said a man filmed wrestling a rifle from the suspected terrorist at Bondi Beach is a “genuine hero” as he described the footage as “unbelievable”.
“A man walking up to 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 added.
“That man is a genuine hero and I’ve no doubt that there are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery.”
Footage of the incident shows the bystander tackling one of the suspected terrorists before pulling the gun from his hands and pointing it at him, forcing the alleged attacker to retreat.
What we know so far about Bondi beach mass shooting
12:14 , Tara CobhamAt least 11 people were killed in a terrorist attack in Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday by two gunmen who opened fire on a crowd celebrating the start of a Jewish festival at the popular tourist destination, Australian authorities said.
Police officials said one of the two gunmen dressed in black was fatally shot and another has been arrested. The second suspected attacker is in a critical condition, they said.
The attack at Bondi Beach targeted families celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, police have confirmed.
Here is everything we know so far about the shooting:
Bondi beach mass shooting: What we know so far as 12 killed in terror attack
Swinney sends 'sympathy and solidarity' to Bondi beach shooting victims
12:13 , Tara CobhamScotland's First Minister John Swinney sent his "sympathy and solidarity" to the victims of a terror attack on Bondi Beach in Australia.
Mr Swinney described the attack as "appalling" and said he was "horrified" by it.
He added: "I am horrified by the events at Bondi beach and send my sympathy and solidarity, and that of the people of Scotland, to those affected.
"This is an appalling incident."
Police investigate possibility of third offender
11:50 , Tara CobhamMal Lanyon, New South Wales Police Commissioner, told a press conference in Sydney that he had declared a terrorist incident after the Bondi Beach shooting and had authorised special powers for police to investigate the possibility of a third offender.
He said: "At about 6.47pm this evening, police started to receive a number of reports of shots fired at Archer Park at Bondi.
"Archer Park is a grassed area just north of the Bondi pavilion. Police responded promptly.
"Unfortunately, at least 12 people are deceased at this time, 29 people have been transported to various hospitals around the Sydney area, including two police officers.
"The condition of those officers and the other transported 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."
Watch: Ten people confirmed dead in shooting incident at Bondi Beach
11:49 , Tara CobhamMet Police increasing visibility in Jewish communities, London mayor confirms
11:34 , Tara CobhamThe 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."
Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah, is an eight-day festival of light usually observed in December.
My thoughts and condolences - along with the rest of London - are with everyone affected by the horrific attack at Bondi Beach, Australia today.
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) December 14, 2025
The Met Police are increasing their visibility in our Jewish communities ahead of any Chanukah events.
Police cannot rule out possibility of follow up attack
11:32 , Tara CobhamPolice are not able to rule out the possiblity of a follow up attack at this stage.
When questioned on the possibility of a follow up attack by reporters, police said the national terrorism threat is at “probable”, which means there is a 50 per cent chance.
However, they stressed this does not mean there is a connection between the Bondi beach shooting and an immediate attack – but this is “subject to ongoing investigation”.
They added though that officers “have no reason to think” there will be another attack.
Albanese calls Bondi Beach attack 'act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism'
11:26 , Tara CobhamAnthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, told a press conference in Canberra that the Bondi Beach attack was "an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism".
He said: "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, antisemitism, 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.
"Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity where Australians across the board will embrace their fellow Australians of Jewish faith at this dark moment for our nation.
"Our police and security agencies are working to determine anyone associated with this outrage."
Foreign secretary urges Britons caught up in shooting to contact consulate for support
11:25 , Tara CobhamForeign Secretary Yvette Cooper has told any British people caught up in the Bondi Beach shooting to contact the consulate for support.
In a post on X, she said: "The scenes from Bondi Beach are deeply shocking and distressing.
"My thoughts are with everyone affected and Australia's emergency services.
"British nationals should follow local police and authorities advice and can contact the British Consulate General Sydney for support."
Ms Cooper is understood to be in touch with her Australian counterpart Penny Wong about the incident.
The scenes from Bondi Beach are deeply shocking and distressing.
— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) December 14, 2025
My thoughts are with everyone affected and Australia's emergency services.
British nationals should follow local police and authorities advice and can contact the British Consulate General Sydney for support.
'Our heart bleeds for Australia's Jewish community tonight,' police say
11:19 , Tara CobhamChris Minns, the premier of New South Wales, also said: "Our heart bleeds for Australia's Jewish community tonight.
"I can only imagine the pain that they're feeling right now to see their loved ones killed as they celebrate this ancient holiday.
“It's a responsibility of all Australians to wrap their arms around Australia's Jewish community and help them get through this incredibly difficult period."
Police say number of injured could go up
11:17 , Tara CobhamPolice said the number of injured could go up.
They told reporters “people are still turning up to hospital”.
Police believe child among injured but report unconfirmed
11:16 , Tara CobhamPolice believe a child was among injured transported to hospital following the mass shooting.
However, they stressed this report is unconfirmed.
Police officers injured in attack in 'serious verging on critical condition'
11:15 , Tara CobhamBoth police officers are in “serious verging on critical condition”, police have confirmed.
Police said both officers are in surgery.
Police believe 'several improvised explosive devices' found in vehicle near shooting scene
11:14 , Tara CobhamPolice believe “several improvised explosive devices” were found in a vehicle located near the scene of the shooting.
Police said officers found an improvised explosive device in a car linked to the gunman who has died.
The force said they found a suspicious vehicle on Campbell Parade.
Police vow 'disgraceful act will not go unpunished'
11:11 , Tara CobhamPolice vow that “this disgraceful act will not go unpunished”.
They added: “If there is a third offender or any other people linked to this matter we will investigate and take action.”
Police cannot confirm if there's a third offender and are investigating
11:10 , Tara CobhamPolice have said they cannot confirm if there is a third offender and officers are currently investigating.
The force said they are “making sure the community is safe”.
Police confirm at least 29 people rushed to hospital all in serious condition
11:09 , Tara CobhamPolice have confirmed that at least 29 people have been rushed to hospital following the mass shooting – all in serious condition.
Police told reporters that two police officers are among the injured.
They added that those injured are all in serious condition but there are a range of conditions.
Mass shooting confirmed to be terrorist incident
11:06 , Tara CobhamThe mass shooting has been confirmed to be a terrorist incident.
Police said the attack “represents one of our worst fears of terrorism”.
Police confirm shooting 'designed to target Jewish community'
11:05 , Tara CobhamPolice have confirmed the mass shooting was “designed to target the Jewish community”.
Speaking to reporters, police said: “ Our heart bleeds for the Australian Jewish community.”
Police confirm at least 12 people killed in mass shooting
11:03 , Tara CobhamPolice have confirmed at least 12 people have been killed in the mass shooting at Bondi beach.
In a press conference police described the attack as “cowardly and terrifying violence”.
In pictures: The scene at Bondi beach following the mass shooting
11:01 , Tara Cobham
Watch live: Police address deadly mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach
10:57 , Tara CobhamWatch: Moment Bondi Beach hero bystander tackles alleged gunman after mass shooting
10:56 , Tara CobhamFormer PM calls Bondi shooting 'absolute atrocity'
10:55 , Tara CobhamFormer prime minister Tony Abbott has called the Bondi shooting an “absolute atrocity”.
In a statement posted on social media, he said: “There should be no place in Australia for the kind of evil we’ve seen this evening.
“Thank God one bystander heroically intervened showing the good side of our country. I am praying for all those affected at this time.”
The events at Bondi Beach are an absolute atrocity. A horror for the victims and a massive escalation of the hatred directed at Australia’s Jewish community. There should be no place in Australia for the kind of evil we’ve seen this evening. Thank God one bystander heroically…
— Tony Abbott (@HonTonyAbbott) December 14, 2025
'I was so shaken up': Man hid in wardrobe when Bondi beach shooting started
10:53 , Tara CobhamA man who was on the phone to his family in London at the time of the Bondi Beach attack hid in his wardrobe when the shooting started.
Finn, who did not give his surname, heard gunshots from the living room of his apartment near the beach.
He told ABC News at the scene: "I just hear a few fireworks going off, that's what it sounded like anyway.
"My parents were saying 'take cover, take cover, take cover'.
"I didn't know what to do because obviously I was on my own.
"So I was just in my apartment, in my wardrobe, for the best part of I would say an hour-and-a-half, just trying to see what was going on, trying to hear.
"I was so shaken up," he added.
Hundreds gathered for Jewish Hanukkah event near children's park when shooting happened
10:52 , Tara CobhamHundreds had gathered for an event celebrating the Hanukkah Jewish festival near the children’s playground when the shooting happened.
The event at Bondi Beach called Chanukah by the Sea was being held at Bondi Beach Park.
Footage has emerged appearing to show two alleged gunmen firing from a bridge near the children’s park, Bondi Park Playground.
Australian authorities have not confirmed what the target of the mass shooting was.
