Australian police said at least 12 people died and 29 were injured after multiple gunshots were fired at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday.
News South Wales police said two of the injured are police officers. They also confirmed one suspect is dead, and another is in critical condition.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a post on X that his “thoughts are with every person affected”, calling the crime scenes "shocking and distressing".
Alex Ryvchin, Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry told a local news daily in an interview that the shooting happened at an event at the beach celebrating the Jewish winter festival of Hanukkah.
“If we were deliberately targeted in this way, it’s something of a scale that none of us could have ever fathomed. It’s a horrific thing,” he said, adding that his media advisor had been wounded in the attack.
Earlier, reports had streamed in about the shooting incident, with the police urging the public to avoid the area.
“Anyone at the scene should take shelter,” the NSW police had posted on X.
“Two people are in police custody at Bondi Beach; however, the police operation is ongoing and we continue to urge people to avoid the area. Please obey ALL police directions. Do not cross police lines,” it had stated.
Videos circulating on X showed people running for cover at the famed beach as multiple gunshots and police sirens are heard in the background.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said they were aware of an “active security situation” in Bondi. “We urge people in the vicinity to follow information from NSW,” the spokesperson said.
Also Read: Two killed, 11 injured in US Brown University shooting
Follow us
