There has been a major, ongoing emergency incident at Bondi Beach in Sydney today involving a mass shooting at a Jewish community Hanukkah event.
What is known so far
Australian authorities report that gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach, which has been declared a terrorist attack targeting Sydney’s Jewish community. Reports from officials and local media say at least around a dozen people have been killed and several dozen injured, including police officers, with one suspected attacker shot dead and another taken into custody in critical condition.
Situation on the ground
Police and emergency services have locked down the Bondi area, urging people to avoid the beach and surrounding streets while the operation and investigations continue. Authorities say there is no indication of an ongoing active shooter at this time, but they are still checking for potential accomplices and dealing with suspicious devices linked to the suspects.
Official reactions
Australian leaders at federal and state levels have condemned the attack as an act of terrorism and antisemitism and expressed support for the Jewish community. Community and religious leaders are calling for solidarity and calm while security is stepped up at Jewish sites and major public locations in Sydney.
If you are in Sydney or nearby, local advice is to stay away from Bondi, follow police instructions, and monitor trusted local news or government channels for real-time updates.