At least 11 people were killed on Sunday when two gunmen opened fire on Australia’s Bondi Beach in an attack targeting a Jewish event, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said, adding that police had designated the shooting as a “terrorist event”.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah,” Minns said at the start of a news conference on Sunday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as an “act of evil anti-Semitism”.
Another 29 people were injured in the shooting, New South Wales Police said, adding that two of those injured were police officers.
A suspect also died and “a second suspected shooter is in critical condition,” police said in a statement issued around 9 p.m. local time.
When gunfire erupted along the popular boardwalk on Sunday night, hundreds of beachgoers could be seen fleeing the north side of the beach, according to video taken at the scene at 6:42 p.m. and verified by ABC News. Police said the first call for a report of shots fired came in around 6:45 p.m.
Armed police work at the scene after a shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, December 14, 2025.
David Gray/AFP via Getty Images
“The Bondi scenes are shocking and distressing,” Albanese said in a statement. “Police and emergency services are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected.”
In their first message on social media, police urged the public to avoid the area. Everyone there was told to seek shelter.
“Two people are in police custody at Bondi Beach, however the police operation continues and we continue to urge people to avoid the area,” police said in a statement. later message about 40 minutes later. “Please obey ALL police instructions. Do not cross police lines.”
Photos from the scene showed a heavy police presence and emergency response, including several people being carried on stretchers.
Police walk down a street after a shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, 2025.
David Gray/AFP via Getty Images
The Australian Jewish Association described the shooting as occurring at an event being held on the beach to mark the beginning of Hanukkah. celebrations.
“Please pray for the Australian Jewish community,” the organization said in a statement.
Sussan Ley, a minister who leads Australia’s opposition party, said in a statement that the shooting represented “hateful violence that struck at the heart of an iconic Australian community”.
Health workers load a patient into an ambulance after a shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, 2025.
Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images
“This attack occurred as our Jewish community gathered for a Hanukkah celebration by the sea,” Ley said. “This was a celebration of peace and hope for the future, cut short by hate.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog issued a statement condemning the Sydney shooting, calling it a “terrorist attack” against the Jewish community.
“At this very moment, our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first Hanukkah candle on Bondi Beach,” he said.
Emergency workers carry a person on a stretcher after a reported shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, December 14, 2025.
Mark Baker/AP
Albanese in his statement said he was in contact with New South Wales officials, including the local premier.
“We are working with NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed,” he said. “I urge people in the surrounding area to follow the information from NSW Police.”
