Mass Shooting at Bondi Beach During Hanukkah Shocks Australia

A deadly mass shooting erupted at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday evening, December 14, 2025, when gunmen opened fire at a crowded public celebration on the first night of Hanukkah.

What began as a festive gathering turned into one of the worst acts of violence the country has seen in decades, leaving multiple victims and police treating the incident as a terrorist attack.

What Happened at Bondi Beach?

Just before 6:47 p.m. local time, emergency services responded to reports of gunfire near Campbell Parade and Archer Park, adjacent to Bondi Beach, where hundreds had gathered for a community holiday event. Witnesses initially mistook the loud rounds for fireworks before realising gunshots were being fired toward crowds celebrating along the grass and nearby playgrounds.

Police and first responders urged the public to take shelter and avoid the area as they worked to secure the scene and assist victims.

Casualties and Arrests at Bondi Beach

Officials have confirmed dozens of deaths and injuries in the attack, with some reports indicating at least 12 fatalities and many more wounded, including police officers and civilians, among them children and community leaders. One of the suspected shooters was killed at the scene, while another was taken into custody in critical condition. Authorities have also examined suspicious devices found near the scene.

One of the victims was identified as a rabbi involved in organising the event, and at least one Israeli national was among those killed.

Government Response — Terrorist Attack Declaration

New South Wales police and federal authorities have declared the incident a terrorist attack. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting as an “act of evil antisemitism,” stressing that violence against a religious community during a holiday celebration is unacceptable and profoundly disturbing.

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed the intense law-enforcement response and ongoing investigation, including forensic examination of potential explosive devices.

Heroic Bystander Action and Community Trauma

Amid the tragedy, footage and eyewitness accounts showed a bystander confronting and disarming an armed attacker, potentially saving many lives — an act that officials have described as courageous.

The local Jewish community, long established around eastern Sydney, is now in mourning, while residents, tourists, and public figures have shared grief and solidarity for victims and families affected by the attack.

Safety Advisory — Public Urged to Follow Official Direction

Police have maintained a large security presence and urged anyone near Bondi Beach to stay away from the area until it is officially safe. Emergency units, including medical teams and specialist officers, continue to work at the scene as part of the ongoing response and investigative effort.

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