A joyous Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach descended into terror on Sunday when gunmen opened fire on a crowd of over 1,000 people, resulting in a devastating death toll of 12 individuals and leaving 29 others wounded, including two police officers in serious condition. Australian authorities have officially declared the mass shooting a terrorist incident, confirming one attacker was killed during the event and another is now in custody.
The attack targeted the ‘Hanukkah by the Sea’ ceremony on the first night of the Jewish festival of lights, transforming what should have been an occasion of religious celebration into a scene of tragedy. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon characterized the event as a deliberate terrorist assault, emphasizing the particularly cruel timing against a peaceful gathering.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation, describing the shooting as a ‘dark moment’ for Australia and condemning the targeted violence against Jewish Australians. He pledged full governmental resources to investigate the attack and bring all responsible parties to justice, while urging national unity in response to the tragedy.
Security operations involved a coordinated response from multiple agencies including the Australian Federal Police, New South Wales police, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organization. Acting Federal Police Commissioner Nigel Ryan committed all available specialist resources and powers to ensure a thorough investigation.
The Chinese Consulate General in Sydney promptly issued safety advisories to Chinese nationals in the region, recommending heightened security awareness, precautionary measures, and maintained communication capabilities. The consulate emphasized immediate contact with emergency services should any danger be encountered.
As the investigation continues, authorities have warned that the security situation remains serious and have urged the public to avoid the Bondi Beach area while operations are ongoing.