At least 10 people, including one gunman, were killed in a mass shooting at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, according to New South Wales police. The attack occurred at approximately 6:40 p.m. local time as crowds gathered for a Hanukkah celebration marking the first night of the Jewish Festival of Lights.
Sixteen individuals were hospitalized following the violence, including a second suspected gunman. Two police officers sustained injuries during the response operation. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as armed men opened fire near the beachfront, prompting mass evacuations and emergency lockdowns.
Authorities issued public safety alerts shortly after the attack, urging residents to avoid the area. Video footage from the scene showed abandoned belongings and firearms on the sand as police secured the perimeter. The motive remains under investigation, with officials emphasizing there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions about public safety in Australia's major tourist destinations, particularly during cultural events. Bondi Beach attracts millions of visitors annually and is a symbol of Sydney's coastal lifestyle.
