Mass shooting at Bondi Beach leaves several dead
A Chanukah event at a park across the road from the iconic Bondi Beach appears to have been targeted by gunmen.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a Chabad emissary based in Sydney, has been identified as one of the victims killed in the mass shooting at a Chanukah event at Bondi Beach, a spokesman for the movement has said.
Multiple people have been shot, with up to 10 fatalities being reported, after gunmen appeared to target a Chanukah event that was taking place at Bondi Beach on what was the first night of Chanukah.
There was also a large Bar Mitzvah celebration taking place within the vicinity.
Police have confirmed multiple shooters were involved, suggesting an organised terror attack.
A major police and ambulance operation is underway, with beachgoers, restaurant patrons and those attending the Chanukah by the Sea event and the Bar Mitzvah fleeing for safety after gunfire erupted around 6.40pm.
Video footage captures at least two gunmen positioned on a footbridge linking Campbell Parade to Bondi Pavilion, firing into the crowd below.
Eyewitnesses have recounted the horrific scenes with graphic footage circulating following the attack.
There was panic and confusion as multiple gunshots triggered chaos throughout the area. Videos show people running across the sand, seeking cover and rushing into nearby restaurants to escape the violence.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry director of media Evan Zlatkis was wounded in the attack, telling The Daily Telegraph he heard “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.
Zlatkis confirmed the gunmen targeted attendees at the Jewish celebration at North Bondi, adjacent to the children’s playground.
“It’s the worst situation that I have ever seen,” Zlatkis said, from Bondi Beach.
“Hundreds of people were celebrating Chanukah, it’s an annual event. Suddenly we heard popping noises, dozens and dozens of popping noises.”
“I’ve then been walking, and I’ve felt on my own skin that I was bleeding. I thought it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg.”
“I’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”
Two men have reportedly been detained. A shotgun and multiple shotgun casings were visible on the footbridge where police arrested the suspects.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief Alex Ryvchin described the annual event as traditionally the “jewel in the crown” of the Jewish calendar.
“It’s a family event, a beautiful event every year,” he said after calling in to Sky News‘s live broadcast.
“If this is what we think it is, it is our worst fear realised…if we were targeted it’s something of a scale none of us could ever imagine.”
Ryvchin was speaking from Bondi where he had rushed to be near his media advisor who was wounded.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has released an official statement following reports of a mass shooting.
“The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing. Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected,” he said.
He urged people in the area to follow information from NSW Police.
“I just have spoken to the AFP Commissioner and the NSW Premier. We are working with NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed,” he said.
Statement from the NSW Premier Chris Minns:
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the reports and images coming out of Bondi “are deeply distressing”.
“Police and emergency services are responding and the public should follow official advice,” he said.
“We will update the public as soon as more information becomes available.”
Israel’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sharren Haskel has expressed horror after the shooting.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Jewish community in Australia at this awful moment,” she posted on X.
“I sincerely hope that my friends are safe, and I am praying for those who have been injured. This is absolutely horrific.”
More to come.