A mass shooting at the annual "Chanukah By The Sea" celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday evening has been declared an act of terrorism, leaving at least 12 people dead and 29 hospitalized.
The attack occurred around 6:45 p.m. on the first night of the Jewish holiday, and authorities have confirmed it "targeted" the Jewish community. It is the deadliest attack in Australia since 1996 and the worst terror incident in the country's history.
Key details from the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) and Australian officials:
- Casualties: 12 people were killed, including one of the two suspected gunmen. The second alleged shooter was arrested and is in critical condition. At least 29 people were hospitalized, including two police officers. One of the deceased was identified as Rabbi Eli Schlanger, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and a key event organizer.
- Perpetrators: Police are investigating the possibility of a third gunman.
- Explosives Found: Authorities located evidence of multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in a vehicle near the scene of the attack, which has since been removed by the bomb disposal unit.
- Government Response: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns immediately condemned the shooting, with Albanese calling it "an act of evil antisemitism, terrorism, that has struck the heart of our nation."
Israeli President Isaac Herzog acknowledged the tragedy while speaking in Jerusalem, stating that the heart of the entire nation of Israel "misses a beat at this very moment." He also called on the Australian government to "seek action and fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society."