At least 11 people were killed in a terrorist attack in Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday by two gunmen who opened fire on a crowd celebrating the start of a Jewish festival at the popular tourist destination, Australian authorities said.
Police officials said one of the two gunmen dressed in black was fatally shot and another has been arrested. The second suspected attacker is in a critical condition, they said.
The attack at Bondi Beach targeted families celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, police have confirmed.
The New South Wales state police said a total of 29 people have been injured in the mass shooting, including two police officers, while searches of the area continue after improvised explosive devices were found in a car near the scene.
Emergency services were rushed to Campbell Parade at around 6.45pm local time after reports of shots being fired. Officers from the Eastern Suburbs Police area command said they responded to the crisis and a multi-agency response is continuing.
“An extensive crime scene has been established and inquiries are now underway. There have been NO reports of any other incidents in Sydney connected to this incident,” the statement added.
The New South Wales police have issued an appeal to people who could have any clue related to this incident captured on their mobile phone vision or dashcam vision to reach out to Crime Stoppers on a helpline number.
Hundreds had gathered at the popular tourist destination to attend an event called Chanukah by the Sea.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese, addressing the nation, said: “The evil that was unleashed at Bondi beach today is beyond comprehension.”
“Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected,” he said.
The Australian PM said he has spoken to senior police officials and the New South Wales Premier. “We will dedicate every resource required to making sure you are safe and protected,” he told Australia’s Jewish population.
New South Wales Police Force said they will investigate whether there is a third attacker or anyone else linked to the atrocity.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the reports and images coming from the scene as “deeply distressing.”
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” Mr Minns said.
“We are working with the NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed. I urge people in the vicinity to follow information from the NSW police,” he added. Mal Lanyon, the police commissioner for New South Wales state, where Sydney is located, said the massacre was declared a terrorist attack due to the event targeted and weapons used.
Distressing videos circulating on social media appeared to show people on Bondi beach scattering as multiple gunshots and police sirens can be heard. Local news outlets spoke to distressed bystanders who witnessed the horror.
Belinda Clemens told CNN that she was sitting on the rocks near the north side of Bondi today when she heard gunshots.
“It sounded like fireworks and then it sort of became clear that it was a shooting because people were running in either direction,” Clemens said, adding that she then saw what appeared to be gunshots hitting the water and “spray going into the air”.
Lachlan Moran, 32, from Melbourne, was waiting for his family nearby when he heard shots, he told The Associated Press. He dropped the beer he was carrying for his brother and ran.
“You heard a few pops, and I freaked out and ran away… I started sprinting. I just had that intuition. I sprinted as quickly as I could,” Mr Moran said. He said he heard shooting off and on for about five minutes.
“Everyone just dropped all their possessions and everything and were running and people were crying and it was just horrible,” Mr Moran said.
The attack comes almost exactly 11 years after a lone gunman took 18 hostages in Sydney’s Lindt Cafe in Sydney. Two hostages and the gunman were killed after a 16-hour standoff.
