A festive evening by the sea turned into a scene of terror in Sydney after gunfire ripped through Bondi Beach on Sunday night, killing at least 11 people and leaving several others wounded. The attack occurred during a public gathering marking the start of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, drawing shock and grief across Australia.

Hundreds of people were present along the shoreline when the shooting began shortly after 6.30 pm local time, according to reports by The Sydney Morning Herald. Witnesses described a sudden eruption of violence, with gunmen firing repeatedly into the crowd. Some attendees alleged that the attackers did not discriminate, striking children and elderly people alike. Disturbing videos circulating online showed people fleeing in panic, while others tried to save lives by performing CPR on the injured.

Police believe the scale of the attack was severe, estimating that between 50 and 100 rounds were fired. New South Wales Police Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry later confirmed that one of the shooters was among those killed during the incident.

As chaos unfolded, authorities issued urgent warnings. At around 7.47 pm Australian time, New South Wales Police acknowledged a “developing incident” on X, urging people to seek immediate shelter. In a subsequent update, police said, “Police operation is ongoing, and we continue to urge people to avoid the area. Please obey ALL police directions. Do not cross police lines.”

Emergency responders flooded the beach and surrounding areas as ambulances rushed victims to hospitals. Around 20 people were injured, many due to shrapnel and flying glass. Thirteen were hospitalised, while another man later arrived at a hospital on his own with a gunshot wound and remains in serious condition.

Police Reached the Site

Roughly two hours after the shooting, police traced the incident to a nearby location. Officers entered a unit above a commercial property and arrested a 60-year-old man. He was taken to hospital for treatment after sustaining injuries during his arrest. Authorities confirmed that a second suspect was also taken into custody as part of the investigation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as devastating. “Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected,” he said. “I have just spoken to the AFP Commissioner and with the NSW Premier. We are working with the 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.”

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley echoed the nation’s grief, calling the incident an attack on a place deeply woven into Australia’s identity. “Australians are in deep mourning, with hateful violence striking at the heart of an iconic Australian community, a place we all know so well and love, Bondi,” she said. Highlighting the significance of the timing, Ley added, “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.”

The Australian Jewish Association issued a sharp statement condemning the incident and criticising the government’s handling of community safety. “What happened tonight is a tragedy but entirely foreseeable. The Albanese government was warned so many times but failed to take adequate actions to protect the Jewish community. Tonight, many Jews are pondering whether they have a future in Australia. Our thoughts are with our community and all the impacted, some of whom we are close to,” the group said. It also expressed anger that the Prime Minister did not explicitly mention that the attack occurred during a Jewish event.

Police have arrested both the terrorists and said the investigation remains active and complex, urging the public to avoid speculation and rely only on official updates as authorities work to piece together the events behind one of the deadliest shootings Sydney has seen in recent years.