A horrific mass shooting shattered the evening calm at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday night, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and multiple injuries in what authorities have declared a terrorist incident. The attack occurred at approximately 6:40 PM local time when at least two assailants armed with high-powered firearms opened fire on crowds of people.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed the tragic death toll, noting that one of the perpetrators was among the deceased while another remains in police custody. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon formally classified the violent assault as an act of terrorism, marking one of Australia’s most devastating security incidents in recent years.
Emergency services responded to the chaotic scene where 16 victims were transported to area hospitals, with several others receiving immediate medical attention on site. Among those injured were at least two police officers who responded to the emergency. Television network Nine Network reported that as many as 20 people may have been shot during the attack.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation identified one of the gunmen as Naveed Akram from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s south-west, citing an anonymous senior law enforcement official. Police subsequently conducted a raid on Akram’s residence as part of their investigation.
The timing and location of the attack carried particular significance as many members of Sydney’s Jewish community had gathered at the beach for Hanukkah celebrations, the Jewish Festival of Lights. In response to the tragedy, a scheduled Hanukkah event in Melbourne was canceled, with Jewish communities across Australia placed on high alert.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the Bondi scenes as “shocking,” while Premier Minns characterized the incident as deeply distressing. Authorities have confirmed there is no longer an active threat but continue to urge the public to avoid the area as investigations proceed. Visual evidence from the scene depicted abandoned firearms on the ground and terrified beachgoers fleeing for safety.