Australian police said 12 people died and 29 others were injured in a terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach after gunmen opened fire during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration.
The attack occurred around 9:36 p.m. on Sunday (Australia time) as approximately 1,000 people, including families with children, gathered to mark the first night of Hanukkah at one of the city’s most popular beaches.
Australian authorities said the event was deliberately targeted, dw.com reports.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the incident as a “horrifying and evil” act of terrorism aimed at Sydney’s Jewish community.
He confirmed that one of the attackers was killed at the scene, while a second suspect has been taken into custody.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said special counterterrorism powers had been activated amid investigations into the possible involvement of a third suspect. The probe is being led by the state’s counterterrorism command, supported by specialist and crime units.
An improvised explosive device was discovered in a vehicle linked to one of the attackers, raising further security concerns. Two police officers were among those wounded.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting as antisemitic terrorism, stressing that “an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian,” and urged unity and calm as investigations continue.
The attack has drawn strong international condemnation. European Union leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, expressed solidarity with Australia and denounced the violence and antisemitism behind the assault. Germany’s leadership also condemned the attack, calling it an assault on shared democratic values.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant while assuring that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent further threats.
