Bondi Beach Shooting: Sydney witnessed one of its most shocking acts of violence in recent years after at least 12 people were killed and several others injured in a mass shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday. The attack occurred during a Jewish holiday event, turning a festive gathering at one of Australia’s most iconic locations into a scene of chaos and fear.
New South Wales Police confirmed that two people are currently in custody, while one suspect was shot dead by police during the response. Authorities stressed that the situation remains fluid and investigations are ongoing.
Police Lock Down Bondi as Emergency Services Flood the Area
Following the shooting, Sydney Police urged residents and visitors to avoid Bondi Beach and surrounding areas, advising people to remain indoors as officers secured the crime scene.
In an official statement, NSW Police said:
“Two people are in police custody at Bondi Beach; however, the police operation is ongoing. We continue to urge people to avoid the area, obey all police directions, and not cross police lines.”
Television footage showed dozens of police vehicles, ambulances, and emergency responders converging on Bondi, while police helicopters circled overhead, signaling the seriousness of the threat.
Eyewitnesses Describe Panic, Gunfire, and Chaos
Residents and tourists near Campbell Parade and the Bondi Pavilion described terrifying scenes as gunshots echoed across the beachfront.
Several eyewitnesses reported hearing rapid bursts of gunfire, with some estimating up to 50 shots fired. Video clips circulating on social media showed crowds fleeing across the sand, sirens blaring in the background. While these videos have not yet been independently verified, they reflect the widespread panic reported by witnesses.
Emergency medical teams were seen treating victims on the grass near the beach, while others escaped with visible injuries, bandages, and bloodstains.
‘We Thought It Was Fireworks,’ Witness Says
Elizabeth Mealey, a Randwick resident and former journalist, said she was dining at the famous Icebergs restaurant when the shooting began.
“We thought it was fireworks, but it wasn’t. It was something much worse,” she told the ABC.
“People started running along the beach. The panic spread very quickly.”
Mealey said the gunfire appeared to come from near the Bondi Pavilion and described a delayed but overwhelming emergency response as ambulances and helicopters arrived.
Jewish Holiday Event Targeted, Motive Under Investigation
Authorities have confirmed that the shooting occurred during a Jewish holiday gathering, raising serious concerns about a potential hate-related motive. However, police have not yet officially confirmed the attackers’ intentions or identities.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and digital evidence to establish how the attack unfolded and whether it was premeditated.
Political Leaders Condemn Violence, Urge Public Cooperation
NSW Premier Chris Minns described the incident as “deeply distressing” and appealed for calm.
“Police and emergency services are responding to an unfolding situation at Bondi. The public must follow official advice and allow authorities to do their work,” Minns said.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the federal government is closely monitoring developments.
“We are aware of an active security situation in Bondi and urge everyone in the vicinity to follow NSW Police instructions,” the statement said.
Australia in Shock After Rare Mass Shooting
Mass shootings are extremely rare in Australia, which has some of the world’s strictest gun laws. Sunday’s violence has reignited national conversations around public safety, event security, and extremism.
As investigators continue their work, authorities are expected to release further details regarding the victims, suspects, and motive in the coming hours.