Bondi Beach Shooting Leaves 11 Dead as Police Declare Terrorist Attack

At least eleven people were killed in a mass shooting at Australia’s Bondi Beach during a public Hanukkah celebration, in what authorities have declared a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community.

New South Wales Police said the shooting occurred Sunday evening at Archer Park, near Bondi Beach, where more than 1,000 people had gathered to mark the first night of Hanukkah. Two gunmen are believed to have carried out the attack. One was killed at the scene, while the other remains in critical condition, according to police.

“Our heart bleeds for Australia’s Jewish community tonight,” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said. “I can only imagine the pain they are feeling seeing loved ones killed while celebrating this ancient holiday.”

How the Attack Unfolded

Police received emergency calls at approximately 6:47 p.m. local time reporting gunfire near the beach. Shortly afterward, authorities urged people to shelter in place and warned the public to avoid the area.

Verified footage shows hundreds of people fleeing the beach in panic as shots rang out. Additional videos appear to show two gunmen firing from a pedestrian bridge connecting Campbell Parade to the beachfront.

In one widely shared clip, a bystander is seen tackling one of the attackers, disarming him and turning the weapon back toward the gunman before the attacker retreated. Premier Minns described the man as a “genuine hero,” crediting his actions with saving lives.

Police officers later arrived at the scene and exchanged gunfire with the attackers. Two police officers were shot and injured and are currently in serious to critical condition, authorities said.

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that eleven victims were killed, in addition to one of the attackers. The victims’ names have not yet been officially released.

The family of British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, confirmed to the BBC that he was among those killed. Israeli media also reported that at least one Israeli citizen died in the attack.

At least 29 people were taken to hospital, including a child.

Investigation and Terror Classification

Police have formally classified the incident as a terrorist attack. An exclusion zone remains in place as bomb squads investigate a vehicle linked to the deceased gunman, where improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were reportedly found.

Authorities have not released details about the attackers’ identities or motives, though Australia’s intelligence chief confirmed one of the suspects was previously known to security services but was not considered an imminent threat.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting as “an act of evil antisemitism” in a televised address.

“We have seen Australians run toward danger to save others,” Albanese said. “Their bravery saved lives.”

International leaders, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog and King Charles III, also condemned the attack, calling it a horrific act of antisemitic terror.

About the Event

The shooting occurred during “Chanukah by the Sea 2025,” an event organized by Chabad of Bondi. The gathering was scheduled to include live entertainment and family activities near a children’s playground and had drawn a crowd of approximately 1,000 attendees.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrated annually in November or December.

The investigation remains ongoing.