Australian authorities have declared the deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach a terrorist attack, after at least 12 people were killed and 29 others injured, including two police officers in serious condition.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the attack occurred at around 6:47 p.m. when two individuals opened fire on a crowd of families gathered at Bondi Beach. One of the attackers was shot dead, while the second has been taken into custody.
“This cowardly act of terrifying violence is shocking and painful to see,” Minns said, adding that the incident represents some of Sydney’s “worst fears of terrorism.”
Police have confirmed the attack was deliberately timed to coincide with the first day of Hanukkah and was aimed at Sydney’s Jewish community. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon formally declared the shooting a terrorist incident, granting authorities expanded powers to investigate and respond.
Commissioner Lanyon said special police powers had been authorised amid concerns there could be additional suspects, noting that investigations are ongoing to prevent any further attacks. Multiple vehicles containing explosive devices were reportedly found in the area surrounding Bondi Beach.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation, describing the shooting as a “devastating terrorist incident” and an “antisemitic attack.”
“This was a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on a day that should have been marked by peace and celebration,” Albanese said. “An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.”
Standing alongside senior national security officials, the prime minister vowed to confront extremism and terrorism, stressing that there is “no place for hatred or violence” in Australia. Authorities confirmed the national terrorism threat level will remain at “probable” and will not be raised at this stage.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the attack occurred at around 6:47 p.m. when two individuals opened fire on a crowd of families gathered at Bondi Beach. One of the attackers was shot dead, while the second has been taken into custody.
“This cowardly act of terrifying violence is shocking and painful to see,” Minns said, adding that the incident represents some of Sydney’s “worst fears of terrorism.”
Police have confirmed the attack was deliberately timed to coincide with the first day of Hanukkah and was aimed at Sydney’s Jewish community. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon formally declared the shooting a terrorist incident, granting authorities expanded powers to investigate and respond.
Commissioner Lanyon said special police powers had been authorised amid concerns there could be additional suspects, noting that investigations are ongoing to prevent any further attacks. Multiple vehicles containing explosive devices were reportedly found in the area surrounding Bondi Beach.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation, describing the shooting as a “devastating terrorist incident” and an “antisemitic attack.”
“This was a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on a day that should have been marked by peace and celebration,” Albanese said. “An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.”
Standing alongside senior national security officials, the prime minister vowed to confront extremism and terrorism, stressing that there is “no place for hatred or violence” in Australia. Authorities confirmed the national terrorism threat level will remain at “probable” and will not be raised at this stage.
