Australian authorities have denounced a deliberate terror attack on the Jewish community after a shooting in Bondi Beach killed at least 11 people during a Hanukkah celebration. One of the shooters is dead, a second one in critical condition.
Authorities also say 29 people have been taken to hospital and are receiving medical treatment. Police say an investigation is ongoing but suggested a deliberate attack on Jewish community. The probe will be led by the Australia’s counter-terrorism unit.
“This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at a press conference. “An act of evil antisemitism, terrorism, that has struck the heart of our nation.”
World leaders have also reacted. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the shooting as “an antisemitic terror attack” and vowed to continue fighting “against antisemitic hatred”. Italian premier Giorgia Meloni offered condolences and called for “firm resolve against any form of violence and antisemitism”.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog was among the first to comment publicly, saying “hearts go out to our Jewish sisters and brothers in Sydney who have been attacked by vile terrorists as they went to light the first candle of Hanukkah.”
Attack during Hanukkah celebration, chaos following shooting
New South Wales police issued a warning at 7pm local time after reports of an active shooting, urging people to take shelter or avoid Bondi Beach. Eyewitness accounts spoke of panic scenes and chaos as people ran for shelter from gunmen.
Extraordinary footage showed two men carrying assault rifles shooting at people, firing rapid rounds at a crowd in panic. A man was also filmed wrestling with one of the gunmen as he tried to take the rifle away and stop the shooting. The police saluted his brave act.
A Hanukkah celebration, one of the most important events in the Jewish calendar, was taking place at the famed beach where around 1,000 people showed up to participate.