Two gunmen have been arrested after opening fire on crowds at Sydney's Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration, leaving multiple people injured. New South Wales Police confirmed the arrests on Sunday evening as an active police operation continues at the popular tourist destination.
Local media reported up to 50 shots were fired in the attack, with NSW Ambulance confirming 13 people were hospitalized. Witness Harry Wilson told The Sydney Morning Herald: «I saw at least 10 people on the ground and blood everywhere.»
The shooting occurred around 6:40 pm local time at a "Chanukah by the Sea" event organized by Chabad of Bondi. Videos circulating on social media showed two men dressed in black crossing a bridge at Bondi Beach and opening fire, with at least a dozen shots audible amid screams from fleeing beachgoers.
Target of Attack Under Investigation
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, told Sky News his media adviser was wounded in the attack. «This is the Jewish community at its best coming together to mark a happy occasion. If we were targeted deliberately in this way, it's something of a scale that none of us could have ever fathomed. It's a horrific thing,» he said.
The Australian Jewish Association posted on X that they had «warned so many times that this was coming» but «never once felt the Government took the warnings seriously.»
Political Response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the scenes as «shocking and distressing,» stating that police and emergency responders were «on the ground working to save lives.» He confirmed discussions with the AFP commissioner and NSW premier.
NSW premier Chris Minns said «the reports and images coming out of Bondi tonight are deeply distressing,» urging the public to follow official police advice.
Ongoing Police Operation
NSW Police issued repeated warnings via social media platform X, urging people to avoid the Campbell Parade and Bondi Beach area. «Two people are in police custody at Bondi Beach; however, the police operation is ongoing and we continue to urge people to avoid the area. Please obey ALL police directions. Do not cross police lines,» the force stated.
Dozens of emergency vehicles, including police units and ambulances, flooded the area. An ambulance spokesperson confirmed: «We have many, many units in the area. We are definitely treating multiple people and have multiple vehicles [responding].»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
