Our live coverage continues on our new blog here:
You can read all our coverage of the Bondi beach terror attack here.
A menorah has been lit up in Trafalgar Square in central London, to mark the first day of Hanukah.
The attack on Bondi beach is the worst mass shooting since the Port Arthur massacre of 1996, in which 35 people were killed.
In the wake of strict gun regulations that were brought in after the atrocity in Tasmania three decades ago, Australia has seen relatively few mass killings using firearms.
The Guardian’s Ben Doherty reports from Bondi beach:
As the sun set on this idyllic weekend, members of Sydney’s Jewish community had gathered at a small park immediately behind the beach, to light candles and to commune, to celebrate the beginning of Hanukah. To the Jewish festival of lights, terrorists brought darkness.
Just after quarter-to-seven, in softening daylight, two gunmen bearing long weapons suddenly opened fire from a nearby elevated footbridge – connecting the boulevard of Campbell Parade with the Bondi Surf Club. Without pause, the men poured round after indiscriminate round into the crowd who had gathered in peace and in community.
Eyewitnesses reported the shooting ran on and on – five minutes some said, others 10, some reported 50 rounds being fired – before the gunmen were silenced.
What do we know so far about the victims
So far, very little information has come out about the identities of those killed and injured in the Bondi beach attack.
We know that 11 people were killed, and one of the gunmen is also dead. A second gunman is injured and in hospital, as are 29 victims, among them two police officers who were wounded while responding to the attack.
London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, has been named as one of the victims, Jewish News reports. The father-of-five, who was assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, a Jewish cultural centre, grew up in Temple Fortune, north London. 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?”
One Israeli citizen was among those killed, the Israeli foreign ministry said. It did not name the victim.
The Jerusalem Post reported that one of its contributors, Arsen Ostrovsky, head of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council Sydney office, was wounded in the attack.
Summary
At least 11 people were killed and almost 30 wounded when gunmen fired on a Hanukah celebration on Bondi beach on Sunday, in what Australian police and officials described as a terrorist attack. One of the gunmen also died.
London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, has been named as one of the victims of the Bondi beach terrorist attack. Jewish News reports that 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.
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 said.
A number of “suspicious devices” have been found in the aftermath of the shooting where hundreds of people had gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event to celebrate the start of the Jewish festival on Sunday, the Australian Associated Press has reported.
A man who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the gunmen has two bullet wounds, one in his arm and one in his hand, but is recovering well in hospital, his relative said. Seven News reported the bystander was a 43-year-old fruit shop owner from the Sutherland Shire.
British police will put more officers into Jewish communities after an antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi beach in Australia. Hanukah, the Jewish festival of lights also known as Chanukah, begins on Sunday evening, with celebrations planned across the UK in the coming days.
Updated
French president Emmanuel Macron condemned the Bondi beach attack and vowed that France would “fight relentlessly against antisemitic hatred.”
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni said on X she felt “profound grief regarding the dramatic news arriving from Sydney.
“By once again firmly condemning all forms of violence and anti-semitism, Italy expresses its own condolences for the victims,” she added.
German foreign minister Johann Wadephul, also in a post to X, said: “I am deeply shocked by the terrorist attack in Sydney – an act of hatred directed against all Jews worldwide on the first day of Hanukah.”
Updated
The premier of New South Wales said viral footage of a man charging at one of the shooters on Bondi beach was “the most unbelievable scene I’ve ever seen”.
Footage circulating on social media shows a man, identified by local media as a 43-year-old fruit shop owner, in a car park wearing a white shirt charging at 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, hailed the bystander as “a genuine hero” and said the video was “the most unbelievable scene I’ve ever seen”.
“There are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery,” Minns added.
Updated
London-born rabbi among those killed on Bondi beach
London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, has been named as one of the victims of the Bondi beach terrorist attack.
Jewish News reports that 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.
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.”
Schlanger and his wife, Chayala, celebrated the birth of their youngest child, a boy, two months ago.
Updated
One of those injured in the terror attack on Bondi beach was the head of the Sydney office of a public affairs organisation for the Australian Jewish community.
Arsen Ostrovsky, head of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council Sydney office, was named by the Jerusalem Post, where he is a long-time contributor, as among those wounded in the mass shooting at a Hanukah event on Sunday.
The Jerusalem Post reported Ostrovsky was receiving treatment and has been in contact with people via WhatsApp.
Updated
The Prince and Princess of Wales have said their thoughts are with every Australian following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, in a personal message signed by William and Kate.
“Our thoughts are with every Australian today following the terrible attack at Bondi Beach.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and stand with the Jewish community in grief.
“We are also thinking about the bravery of the emergency responders, particularly the two injured officers. W & C”
The King has sent a letter to the Australian people condemning what he called a “dreadul antisemitic terrorist attack”.
King Charles III wrote: “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.
”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
Updated
One Israeli citizen among those killed, Israeli foreign ministry says
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 said.
The news comes after the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that he had warned his Australian counterpart that the country’s policies fuel antisemitism.
At least 12 people were killed and almost 30 wounded when gunmen fired on the Hanukah celebration, in what Australian police and officials described as a terrorist attack.
Netanyahu said the shooting was “cold blooded murder” and that antisemitism “spreads when leaders stay silent.”
“You must replace weakness with action,” he said.
Updated
The European Commission president was among the global leaders condemning the violent attack in Bondi beach.
Ursula Von der Leyen said in a statement:
“Shocked by the tragic attack at Bondi beach. I send my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
“Europe stands with Australia and Jewish communities everywhere. We are united against violence, antisemitism and hatred.”
Updated
British police will put more officers into Jewish communities after an antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi beach in Australia.
Hanukah, the Jewish festival of lights also known as Chanukah, begins on Sunday evening, with celebrations planned across the UK in the coming days.
The Metropolitan Police will increase patrols around synagogues and other community venues, and Hertfordshire Constabulary said it would have a visible presence at key events in the county following the attack in Sydney, which left 12 people dead and 29 injured.
Dave Rich, the director of policy of the Jewish community security trust, told Sky News they were speaking to government and police about boosting security for Jewish institutions in the UK in light of the attack.
Jewish communities in the UK recently saw an attack on worshippers at a synagogue in Manchester on October 2.
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Earlier, at a press conference, the Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, was asked about rates of antisemitic attacks in the country as he pledged support for the Jewish community.
A statement from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry echoes Albanese’s assertion that the attack on Australian Jews was an attack on all Australians:
The Jewish community is in mourning following the massacre of innocent Australians including Jews celebrating the festival of Chanukah.
We express our heartfelt sorrow and condolences to the families of those who were coldly and calculatedly slain in a terrorist attack of unfathomable evil, and our wishes for a complete and speedy recovery to those injured.
We express our profound gratitude to the police, first responders and courageous citizens whose actions prevented even greater loss of life.
We acknowledge the strong words of the prime minister and premier of NSW and their commitment to eradicate the evil of antisemitism in Australia.
The time for talking is over. We need decisive leadership and action now to eradicate the scourge of antisemitism from Australia’s public life, for which the Jewish community has long been advocating.
Government’s first duty is to keep its citizens safe.
The shooting attack targeted the Jewish community but it took place at Bondi beach, the people’s beach, on what should have been a carefree summer’s day.
It was an attack on all Australians, our freedoms and our way of life.
As the exclusion zone around the site of the attack is scaled back, and people in Bondi start to contemplate the shock and horror of the day, Guardian Australia photographers have been at the scene:
António Guterres, the secretary-general of the UN, called it a “heinous deadly attack”:
I am horrified and condemn today’s heinous deadly attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hannukah. 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.
The US state department has added its voice to the global condemnation of the attack at Bondi beach.
Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said in a post on X:
The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Australia targeting a Jewish celebration. 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.
In April 2024, at Bondi Junction, not far from the world-famous beach, a mass stabbing at a shopping mall left six victims and the perpetrator dead.
But mass shootings in Australia are rare, with gun laws more stringent than in many countries.
As Sarah Martin reports, the nation’s confidence will be shaken by what happened at Bondi beach on Sunday:
After the horror of the 1996 Port Arthur massacre that killed 35 people in Tasmania, Australia’s then conservative government stared down the gun lobby to introduce restrictions that led to a dramatic decrease in the number of guns.In an almost unprecedented display of national collaboration, the federal government worked with the states to restrict semiautomatic weapons, toughen up licensing requirements and introduce a new requirement for gun holders to demonstrate a “genuine reason” for ownership.
Australians have been rightly proud of these reforms, confident that the community remains relatively safe from gun violence and far from the American reality of frequent mass shootings.
Sunday’s Bondi attack will shake that confidence and may force the country to again grapple with its gun laws.
While the details of the weapons used in the shooting are unknown, including whether they were legally obtained, there has been growing concern among gun control advocates that firearms remain far too easy to access despite the country’s “gold standard” framework.
Gun safety experts have been warning of complacency, pointing to booming gun numbers and weaknesses across state and territory laws that can be easily exploited, or see lawful weapons end up in criminal hands.
It is now just after midnight in Sydney, and the exclusion zone around the area where the terror attack took place is being scaled back. Police are continuing their investigations, and have not ruled out the possibility of a third attacker who has not been caught, but all of those injured have now been taken to hospitals, and objects believed to be explosives have been removed from a nearby car.
Among the many people who fled Bondi beach to take shelter as gunshots rang out was former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan, who is in Australia covering the ongoing Ashes series.
In a post on X, Vaughan said:
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.
Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, has spoken to her Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar following Sunday night’s Bondi shooting.
Sa’ar had accused federal Labor of missing countless warning signs ahead of the shooting and said the government “must come to its sense” on antisemitism in the community.
Wong was briefed on the incident as a member of the national security committee of cabinet.
She has cancelled a planned trip to China and Japan, which had been scheduled for this week.
'Man who tackled gunman' suffers two bullet wounds – reports
The man who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the gunmen has two bullet wounds, one in his arm and one in his hand, but is recovering well in hospital, his relative said.
Seven News reported the bystander was a 43-year-old fruit shop owner from the Sutherland Shire.
A family member interviewed outside a major Sydney hospital where victims from the attack were being brought said the family would be allowed to see him soon, adding: “We hope he will be fine, he is a hero, 100%, he is a hero.”
Updated
Explosives removed from car
A number of “suspicious devices” have been found in the aftermath of the shooting where hundreds of people had gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event to celebrate the start of the Jewish festival on Sunday, the Australian Associated Press has reported.
Police say they are working to disarm what they have described as an improvised explosive device.
“A number of suspicious items located in the vicinity are being examined by specialist officers and an exclusion zone is in place,” NSW Police said in a statement at 9pm local time.
An object believed to be an explosive device was removed from a car close to the beach, and the exclusion zone is now being scaled back.
Updated
Australia's deputy PM calls attack a 'dark moment for our nation'
Australia’s deputy prime minister has called the Bondi Beach attack a “dark moment for our nation” and said investigations are ongoing.
Richard Marles posted: “This is a dark moment for our nation. My thoughts this evening are with every person impacted by the terror incident at Bondi, including the families and loved ones of those who have been killed, and the brave Australians who did not hesitate to run towards danger.”
He added: “A short time ago, the National Security Committee of Cabinet met. Investigations are continuing and details are still being confirmed. It is important that while this occurs, all Australians listen to and take the advice of authorities.”
Tonight Australia weeps with the Jewish community. And tonight Australia stands in solidarity with the Jewish community.
— Richard Marles (@RichardMarlesMP) December 14, 2025
Jewish Australians have a right to celebrate their faith, their culture, and their community without fear and with joy. Our government and all Australians…
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Eyewitnesses have described hearing gunshots, having nowhere to go and being “so confused” during a shooting at Bondi beach Sunday evening.
Restaurant worker William Doliente Petty said he was serving someone when he heard the gunshots.
“The whole shop just stood up and we ran into the back exit,” he said. At least 12 people have died, including one alleged gunman, following the mass shooting at Bondi beach, during which dozens of gunshots were fired at a park hosting a Jewish festival:
Updated
Bondi Beach attack 'requires same action' as Port Arthur massacre in 1996
The federal government’s special envoy to combat antisemitism in Australia has called for a similar national reaction as that which followed the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
Jillian Segal, in a statement on the Bondi shooting, brought up the incident in which 35 people were killed and many more injured in a mass shooting at the historic tourist precinct in south-east Tasmania. It led to the development of strict gun-control laws and the creation of a substantial community fund for victims.
Segal said: “Australia responded decisively after Port Arthur in 1996. This moment requires the same action. Words are no longer enough.
“An attack on a peaceful Jewish celebration is an attack on our national character and our way of life. Australia must defend both.”
Updated
The federal government’s special envoy to combat antisemitism in Australia, Jillian Segal, says the Bondi shooting was a “deliberate” attack on Australian icons.
“This did not come without warning. In Australia, it began on 9 October 2023 at the Sydney Opera House”, Segal said in a statement. “We then watched a march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge waving terrorist flags and glorifying extremist leaders. Now death has reached Bondi Beach.
“These are Australian icons. Targeting them is deliberate. This is not random. It is an attack on Australia.
“To ordinary Australians, this moment demands clarity. What once seemed distant or uncomfortable can no longer be ignored. Taunts from the Opera House steps, synagogues set alight and now massacres at a celebration form a clear pattern”, Segal added. “This is not the Australia we know and it cannot be the Australia we accept.”
Australia’s governor-general has said Australians across the country “are in heartbreak” after the terror attack in Bondi Beach.
“Tonight, Australians are in shock, distress and sadness watching the tragic events that have unfolded in Bondi” Sam Mostyn said. “We have all witnessed terrible and heartbreaking scenes and now know that many lives have been lost and many more injured. I speak on behalf of all Australians in expressing my deepest condolences to everybody affected.
“It is particularly distressing on the first night of Hanukkah, a time of peace. I know that this is a deeply distressing time for the Jewish community and for all Australians.”
NSW premier promises 'full inquiry' into policing prior to attack
The NSW premier has pledged a “full inquiry” will be held into any possible intelligence or policing failures prior to the Bondi Beach attack.
Chris Minns said: “It’s reasonable that both the government and the police conduct an investigation, there will be, of course, a full inquiry.
“But when you’re looking at several hours after this horrifying event, it’s important that police focus on community safety right now and ensuring that the immediate vicinity is locked down, that the public, those who’ve been injured, are transported to hospital, and that there’s not an immediate ongoing threat. There’ll be plenty of times for a thorough investigation.”
Updated
Ireland’s department of foreign affairs is “not aware” of any citizens who have been “impacted directly” the gun attack on Sydney’s Bondi beach.
In a statement on Sunday morning, Helen McEntee said: “Our consulate in Sydney is continuing to monitor events and will remain in close contact with Irish citizens and the community locally.”
The minister for foreign affairs said she was in “shock and horror” at the antisemitic attack on a Jewish community celebrating the first day of their Hanukah festival of lights.
She added: “All my thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones and the people of Australia.”
Updated
Scotland’s first minister John Swinney sent his “sympathy and solidarity” to the victims of a terror attack on Bondi Beach in Australia.
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.”
Updated
Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, has called the shooting at Bondi “abhorrent” and sent condolences to the families of those caught up in the attack.
“Terrorism, anti-Semitism, violence and hate have no place in Australia,” she said.
“My deepest condolences are with those who have lost loved ones tonight. We hope for the full recovery of all injured and we stand in solidarity with the Australian Jewish community.
“Thank you to the emergency services and to the everyday Australians who showed courage in the face of such terror”.
— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) December 14, 2025
Here are some visualisations of the location of the shooting on Bondi Beach. The first shows the location the shooters – stood on Campbell Parade – relative to the Hanukah festival in a grassy area next to the beach and the Bondi Pavillion.
The second shows where Bondi Beach is in Sydney and where Sydney is located in Australia.
Abdullah Ashrof said he saw two shooters on the bridge as he drove down Campbell Parade at Bondi.
Ashrof, who still had blood on his hands from helping people in the aftermath of the shooting, parked to try and tell people to take cover, and saw a police officer who had a gunshot wound. There were others who appeared dead and injured.
“He was very brave. He was trying to stay conscious,” Ashrof said of the police officer. “We were trying to talk to him…Just trying to help him, hold his hand and there are other people who are trying to wrap his wound, put pressure on the wound.”
Another woman nearby had also been shot, and was there with her children. “I think the worst thing was that two of her kids were right next to her,” Ashrof said. “She was … very brave, trying to stay conscious, trying to talk.”
The NSW police commissioner Mal Lanyon would not confirm reports that a home had been raided in Bonnyrig in Sydney’s south west in relation to one of the alleged offenders.
Lanyon said the police were asking “for people to remain calm” but said officers were working to identify whether there was a third offender.
“You can imagine the chaos that was down there, the fear that we’re in, members of the public there”, Lanyon said. “We need to make sure that we get this information right, the fact that we’ve taken a positive step by declaring it as a terrorist event. Providing special powers for investigations shows how serious we are about making sure we investigate.”
Australia has experienced a string of antisemitic attacks on synagogues, buildings and cars since the beginning of Israel’s war in Gaza in October 2023.
Some key events include Australias largest Jewish school being graffitied in Melbourne on May 25, 2024; Antisemitic graffiti sprayed on a Jewish bakery in Sydney, with note left for owner reading “be careful” on October 13; The front door of Bondi brewery Curly Lewis Brewing Company in Sydney torched on October 17 and neighbouring Bondi Kosher deli Lewis’ Continental Kitchen set alight on October 20.
A taskforce investigating antisemitic attacks charges a former biker gang member in March over allegedly directing two men to torch Curly Lewis Brewing Company and Lewis’ Continental Kitchen in order to distract police resources. He denied the charges and was released on bail.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese later says information from the national intelligence agency showed the Iranian government was behind the arson attack on Lewis’ Continental Kitchen.
David Littleproud says Australia stands united with Jewish community
The Nationals leader, David Littleproud, says the scenes from Bondi “are horrific and distressing.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were at the scene, their families and the courageous first responders,” he said.
Police have now confirmed this was an act of terror.
This is an attack on Australia and our way of life. This hatred and violence has no place in Australia.
This attack occurred as our Jewish community came to celebrate Chanukah by the Sea at Bondi beach.
Australians will be devastated and in shock that what should have be a joyous time has turned into something that is hard to comprehend.
We stand united with our Jewish community. Our hearts go out to our Jewish friends and we wrap our arms around them after this act of terror.
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Mehreen Faruqi says Bondi killings ‘appalling and unforgivable’ and gives condolences to Sydney Jewish community
The NSW senator and deputy Greens leader, Mehreen Faruqi, has sent condolences to the Sydney Jewish community after the Bondi shooting.
“My heart filled with dread when I saw the news this evening,” she wrote on social media. She went on:
I’m absolutely devastated by the horrific violence at Bondi beach tonight. This is an appalling and unforgivable act of violence.
My thoughts are especially with the Jewish community.
My heart goes out to all who have lost loved ones and those who were injured, and my immense gratitude to the first responders who have risked their lives to keep our communities safe.
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NSW police commissioner says child transported to hospital but he does not think any children were among those killed
Returning to the NSW premier and police commissioner’s press conference, which wrapped up a short time ago.
Lanyon said he doesn’t believe any children were among the deceased but said that a child was transported to hospital.
He said:
I don’t want to give information that turns out to be incorrect. It is very early. We know that there has been a number of people turn up to the hospital.
The premier said no decision had been made yet to close schools tomorrow and noted that most private schools in the east have begun their end-of-year break.
He advised parents who have children attending government schools in the area to check their school’s social media for updates.
Updated
What we learned during the press conferences
Here’s the latest from NSW police, the NSW premier, Chris Minns, and the prime minister:
Twelve people are confirmed dead, including one gunman. Police described the figures as an evolving situation.
Twenty-nine people have been transported to area hospitals in a range of conditions but officials described the injuries as serious. That figure includes two police officers.
Chris Minns and Anthony Albanese described the shooting as a targeted attack on the Jewish community during the first day of Hanukah.
The NSW police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, has designated the shooting a terrorist incident.
Lanyon said the gunmen used long arms. Police are investigating what’s believed to be several improvised explosive devices in a vehicle at Bondi beach.
Both Minns and Albanese have vowed to support the Jewish community and eradicate hate.
Updated
Asio chief says one of the shooters ‘known to us’
Burgess said of the shooters: “One individual was known to us, but not in an immediate threat perspective”.
“So obviously we need to look into what happened.”
Updated
Asio chief says agency investigating if anyone has ‘similar intent’ but ‘no indications’
Mike Burgess, the director general of Asio, said the agency is looking at the identities of the attackers and to see if there is “anyone in the community that has similar intent”.
It’s important to stress, at this point, we have no indications to that fact – but that is something we have active investigations on.
The national terrorism threat level remains at probable. I don’t see that changing at this stage. Probable means there is a 50% chance of an act of terror. And unfortunately we’ve seen that horrific act occur tonight in Australia.
Updated
Albanese says Jewish community will have every resource needed
The prime minister said:
As prime minister, I say on behalf of all Australians to the Jewish community: we stand with you. We embrace you and we reaffirm tonight that you have every right to be proud of who you are and what you believe.
You have the right to worship and study and live and work in peace and safety. And you enrich us as a nation. You should never have to endure the loss that you have suffered today. You should never know the fear that you know tonight.
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Albanese says Australia will eradicate ‘hate, violence and terrorism’
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said the national security committee was convened as a matter of urgency this evening.
He said:
There has been a devastating terrorist incident at Bondi at the Chanukah By the Sea celebration. This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith. [The attack is] 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.
There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear: we will eradicate it.
Updated
Shooters used long arms; police investigating believed explosive devices inside vehicle
Lanyon said it’s too early to determine where the weapons used in the shooting came from, but described them as long arms.
He said specialist police have located a vehicle in Bondi Beach in which they believe are several improvised explosive devices.
Rescue bomb disposal units are on the scene at the moment.
Updated
NSW police commissioner calls for calm as shooting investigated
Lanyon is urging the community to remain calm as the police investigate the shooting.
When I asked for calm, that is really important. This is not a time for retribution. This is a time to allow the police to do their duty. So police are responding to make sure that all of the community is safe.
Updated
Twenty-nine taken to hospitals across Sydney, police commissioner designates shooting a terrorist incident
The NSW police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, is speaking now. He said:
Twenty-nine 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.
The shooting has been designated a terrorist incident. Lanyon said police are investigating if there is a third offender.
Updated
NSW premier says public’s ‘heart bleeds for Australia’s Jewish community’
Minns said there will be a “massive comprehensive police and public order response” after the shooting.
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.
Updated
At least 12 killed in attack targeting Sydney’s Jewish community, Chris Minns says
The NSW premier, Chris Minns, is speaking now. He just said at least 12 are dead:
This cowardly act of terrifying violence is shocking and painful to see, and represents some of our worst fears about terrorism in Sydney.
This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community. On the first day of Hanukah. 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.
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Witness describes ‘deafening’ Bondi shooting
Young people sat stunned at Bondi beach this evening after today’s mass shooting.
Olivia Matis had been out for a run in the evening along the Bondi beach promenade. She says:
I was just walking outside the pavilion and I ran into a friend and I heard the most deafening sounds. I thought they must be fireworks or something, and then I could see people crouching down and then people said ‘run’. There was just shots, shots, shots and I thought no way there’s a shooter but I ran and just sprinted.
A friend ran past and said there’s a shooter and I just kept running to my apartment at north Bondi. We just hid.
She said she thought there were about 50 shots.
Updated
NSW Liberal MP Julian Leeser has called Sunday’s attack at Bondi Beach ‘a horrifying tragedy’
Leeser said the Sydney Jewish community is shaken by the attack, which appears to have targeted an event for the first night of the Jewish festival of Hanukah.
“For Australians, tonight has turned into one of grief and shock,” Leeser said. “We must come together, check in on one another, support our Jewish friends, and to offer comfort where it is needed.”
He went on:
My heart goes out to those who were in Bondi, spending time with their family and friends, only to be confronted with fear and violence.
Our Jewish community, which is known for its courage and stoicism, is shaken tonight.
Leeser thanked police and ambulance responders who attended Bondi.
Updated
Tony Abbott says Bondi shooting an ‘absolute atrocity’
Former prime minister Tony Abbott has called the Bondi shooting an “absolute atrocity”:
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.
Here is a video of that moment:
Updated
Home affairs minister condemns ‘appalling act of violence’
Tony Burke, the home affairs minister, says the news from Bondi is horrifying.
The prime minister is being briefed directly by all security agencies.
All Australians stand together with the victims and against this appalling act of violence.
I encourage everyone in Sydney to listen to the directions of the NSW police as they conduct their investigation.
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NSW opposition leader says shooting ‘horrific attack on our community and on our way of life’
Kellie Sloane, the NSW opposition leader, just released a statement saying the shooting was a “horrific attack on our community and on our way of life”.
She said:
No community in this country should live in fear. This is an attack on our shared sense of safety and belonging.
Tonight, our community and state stand together, determined that light will overcome darkness.
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Police appealing for any mobile phone or dashcam footage
NSW police have urged anyone in the area with mobile phone or dashcam footage to upload it to an official website here.
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A press conference with the NSW premier, Chris Minns, and NSW police officials is set to start in a few minutes. We’ll bring you live updates.
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New Zealand prime minister offers condolences
The New Zealand prime minister, Christopher Luxon, just released a statement, saying Australia and New Zealand “are closer than friends, we’re family”.
“I am shocked by the distressing scenes at Bondi, a place that Kiwis visit every day,” he said. “My thoughts, and the thoughts of all New Zealanders, are with those affected.”
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Witness describes ‘very continuous shooting’
Guardian reporter Anne Davies is in Bondi talking to people at the scene.
She spoke with Sergi Cánovas, who had just left Bondi beach with his family when they heard multiple shots – “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.”
‘It was mayhem’, witness says
Jesse Lockhart-Krause is a Bondi local and volunteer surf lifesaver who was in the area to pick up his girlfriend who is also a volunteer surf lifesaver. He said:
I was driving to pick her up from the surf club. I thought there were fireworks but I could see birds flying away.
Then I saw a group of people running towards the car. I realised it wasn’t fireworks. It was mayhem with people jumping out of their cars.
It was still daylight. It was a beautiful day today.
Lockhart-Krause, who is now safe and home with his girlfriend, said the shooting occurred in the vicinity of a car park behind a children’s play area that was next to the surf pavilion.
He said several volunteers from the surf lifesaving club had reacted after the shots were fired to take emergency equipment including oxygen and defibrillators to the scene. He said:
There were several that had the courage to get into the park and start helping people. It was all surreal.
It is my back yard down there and it feels wrong. It is concerning that this can happen in the community.
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Melbourne Hanukah event cancelled after shooting
A Hanukah event in Melbourne was cancelled earlier this evening “out of an abundance of caution”. The CSG Community Security Group said the event Chanukah at Caulfield Racecourse had ended early, saying those at the site were being told to leave and anyone en route should return home.
The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, said she was horrified by the events, saying tonight “all Victorians stand with New South Wales and everyone who is grieving right now”.
The incident that has unfolded in Bondi this evening is horrifying and distressing.
— Jacinta Allan (@JacintaAllanMP) December 14, 2025
My thoughts are with all those impacted by this horrific incident and with the first responders who are dealing with this traumatic event.
Tonight all Victorians stand with New South Wales and…
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National Imams Council urges Australians to ‘stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity’
The Australian National Imams Council just issued a statement condemning the shooting, urging all Australians to “stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity”. The body said:
These acts of violence and crimes have no place in our society. Those responsible must be held fully accountable and face the full force of the law.
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by this deeply traumatic attack. We acknowledge the pain, fear, and distress felt across the community and extend our sincere compassion and support to all who are grieving.
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Albanese expected to speak later tonight
The national security committee of federal cabinet is meeting now, with the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, attending in Canberra.
Albanese is expected to speak from Parliament House after the meeting wraps up.
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Two police officers among injured; specialist teams investigating ‘suspicious items’ in the area
NSW police just released a statement after the shooting, with a press conference set for 9.30pm this evening.
Two police officers were injured in the shooting.
One man believed to be a shooter has been killed, and another alleged shooter is in a critical condition.
During their investigation, police said a “number of suspicious items” have been located in the area and are being examined by specialist officers. An exclusion zone is in place. Police said:
An extensive crime scene has been established and inquiries are now underway. There have been NO reports of any other incidents in Sydney connected to this incident.
Police are appealing for anyone with mobile phone footage or dashcam video to send it to Crime Stoppers.
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18 in hospital, but conditions are unknown
NSW Ambulance have confirmed that 18 people are in hospital, and paramedics are still treating more at the scene.
They would not confirm what condition the 18 people are in.
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Israeli president Isaac Herzog just released a statement after the shooting. He 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.
Images from the scene at Bondi beach
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10 people dead after Bondi gunfire, including one shooter
NSW police just confirmed 10 people are dead after the shooting, including nine victims.
One shooter has been killed.
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Sussan Ley condemns ‘hateful violence’ in a place ‘we all know so well and love’
The opposition leader, Sussan Ley, has released a lengthy statement after the shooting. She said in part:
Australians are in deep mourning tonight, with hateful violence striking at the heart of an iconic Australian community, a place we all know so well and love, Bondi.
The loss of life from this attack is significant and I join with the Prime Minister in urging all Australians to follow official advice from police and relevant authorities.
This attack occurred as our Jewish community came together at the Chanukah by the Sea celebration. This was a celebration of peace and hope for the future, severed by hate.
My heart is with Australia’s Jewish community tonight, particularly those in the eastern suburbs of Sydney – people I know well.
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Allegra Spender says ‘this is not the Australia that we know and love’
Independent MP Allegra Spender, whose electorate includes Bondi Beach, just released some remarks. She said:
This is horrifying. It’s still not clear exactly what has happened yet. The reporting is police have apprehended the perpetrators. I am urging people to follow police requests and avoid Bondi Beach.
This is not the Australia that we know and love. I know our community will come together but this is devastating to all of us.
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‘It sounded like dozens of crackers’
We have a dispatch from the scene from the Guardian’s Emma Elsworthy.
She said:
Walking up Francis Street with groceries in hand, what sounded like fireworks began crackling through the daylight. My first thought was that it was an odd choice to let them off when the sky was still so bright blue – or had it been an accident, a night-time event that went early? It sounded like dozens of crackers.
People stood on their balconies with binoculars. I’d been for a swim down at Bondi beach 20 minutes earlier – the same place that police cars howling past me seemed to be headed. Some frazzled people walking up from the beach passed by me, talking over each other.
The word “shooting” was audible.
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Shooting ‘was very deliberate and very targeted’, ECAJ co-CEO says
Speaking to 2GB, the co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Alex Ryvchin, said the shooting happened during a Jewish community event on the beach organised for the first night of Hanukah.
Ryvchin, who was not at the event, said he had spoken to the ECAJ’s director of media, who he alleged had been injured during the incident.
“Hundreds of people were gathered. It’s a family event,” said Ryvchin. He went on:
They heard, like, dozens of popping sounds. And people just started running, running over barricades, grabbing their children. It was mayhem.
I don’t think this was an attack just that happened to occur at Bondi beach. I think this was very deliberate and very targeted.
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Six people rushed to hospital after Bondi shooting
The NSW Ambulance service has confirmed that six people have been taken to local hospitals following a shooting incident at Bondi beach.
An ambulance spokesperson could not say the nature of the injuries or the condition of the people taken to hospitals, but that ambulance staff had been treating people on the scene with gunshot injuries.
The service was called to area at 6.45pm to reports of multiple people shot, the spokesperson said. There were 25 units at the scene, including helicopters and intensive care units.
Four people had been taken to St Vincent’s hospital, one person had been taken to Royal Prince Alfred hospital and another to St George hospital.
Prime minister says scenes at Bondi ‘shocking and distressing’
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, just released a statement. He said:
The scenes in Bondi are 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.
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Hanukah event being held at Bondi beach
There was a Hanukah event on at Bondi beach tonight. A listing describing the event said it was set to take place from 5pm to 9pm at the Bondi Park playground, with free admission.
The event was called Chanukah By The Sea and it was hosted by the Chabad of Bondi.
Sunday was the first day of the Jewish festival Hanukah.
“Join Chabad of Bondi for our Annual Chanukah Festival as We Celebrate Jewish Life by lighting up the Iconic Bondi Beach,” an advertisement for the event states.
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No other incident at Dover Heights, NSW police say
NSW police said there has been some misinformation spreading after the shooting. They confirmed there is no incident elsewhere, including at Dover Heights.
There have been NO reports of any incidents at Dover Heights - please do NOT share unconfirmed rumours.
— NSW Police Force (@nswpolice) December 14, 2025
Further updates will be provided here.
Police are still urging anyone in the Bondi beach area to take shelter, saying the incident is still developing.
Members of the public are being urged to avoid the area.
“Police are on scene and more information will be provided when it comes to hand,” police said.
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NSW police say two people in custody at Bondi Beach
NSW police just released a new statement, saying two people are in police custody at Bondi Beach. The police said:
Two people are in police custody at Bondi Beach; however, the police operation is ongoing and we continue to urge people to avoid the area. Please obey ALL police directions. Do not cross police lines.
Two people are in police custody at Bondi Beach; however, the police operation is ongoing and we continue to urge people to avoid the area. Please obey ALL police directions. Do not cross police lines.
— NSW Police Force (@nswpolice) December 14, 2025
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Footage on the ABC shows dozens of emergency vehicles, including police units and ambulances, in the Bondi area.
Residents told the Guardian they can hear helicopters overhead.
NSW premier says footage ‘deeply distressing’
Statement from the NSW premier, Chris Minns:
The reports and images coming out of Bondi tonight are deeply distressing.
Police and emergency services are responding and the public should follow official advice.
We will update the public as soon as more information becomes available.
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Public requested to avoid area around Bondi
NSW police have just repeated a request for the public to avoid the Bondi area. In another statement posted on social media, police said:
Attention media - please share our message for members of the public to avoid Bondi Beach area as the police operation continues. We are still asking people in the area to take shelter until we can determine what is happening. We have media officer en route to scene, more information when confirmed.
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NSW police confirm multiple calls on shooting in Bondi area
A NSW police spokesperson has told the Guardian they have received “multiple calls” from the public about shooting in the Bondi area.
A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance said there had “definitely been a shooting in the area”, but that the situation was developing rapidly. They said:
We have many, many units in the area. We are definitely treating multiple people and have multiple vehicles [responding].
The ambulance service received their first calls for assistance just before 7pm. Incidents were centred on the Queen Elizabeth Drive area, the ambulance spokesperson added.
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Reports of shooting incident in Sydney's Bondi Beach area
We are hearing reports of a shooting incident in the Bondi Beach area. We will bring you more details as we have it.
NSW police are warning people to avoid the area. In a statement released on social media, the police said:
Police are responding to a developing incident at Bondi Beach and are urging the public to AVOID the area. Anyone at the scene should take shelter. Police are on scene and more information will be provided when it comes to hand.
Police are responding to a developing incident at Bondi Beach and are urging the public to AVOID the area. Anyone at the scene should take shelter. Police are on scene and more information will be provided when it comes to hand.
— NSW Police Force (@nswpolice) December 14, 2025
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