Bondi Beach shooting is terrorist attack targeting Jewish community, police confirm
New details are emerging as the shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach has been designated as a terrorist attack.
The New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns has said during a press conference that 12 people have been confirmed dead after shooters opened fire at 6:47pm local time on Sunday (14 December).
One of the gunmen is among those killed, and the second suspected shooter is in custody, as a 'genuine hero' was praised for tackling one.
Police in Australia are currently investigating 'thoroughly' the possibility of a third gunman or any other people linked to the shooting.
Twenty-nine people have been transported to various hospitals, with two police officers in 'serious, verging on critical condition' and currently in surgery.
The victim's age ranges have not been confirmed, but there is said to be a child taken to hospital with the possibility that the toll could rise.
Minns described the nine-minute attack as a 'cowardly act of terrifying violence' and added that there will be a full inquiry into the incident.
Police have said it was 'designed to target Sydney's Jewish community' with an event taking place at Bondi Beach to celebrate Hanukkah.
With well over 1,000 people said to have been in attendance, Minns said what should have been a 'night of peace and joy' was 'shattered' by a 'horrifying, evil attack'.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said: "As a result of the circumstances of the incident, tonight at 9.36pm this evening, I declared this to be a terrorist incident.
"Our counter-terrorism command will lead this investigation with investigators from the State Crime Command. No stone will be left unturned."
Lanyon added that 'several improvised explosive devices' have also been found in a vehicle linked to the deceased gunman.
"Shortly after the shooting occurred, police located a vehicle in Campbell Parade at Bondi, which we believe has several improvised explosive devices," he said.
“We have our rescue bomb disposal unit there at the moment working on that.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said during the conference: "This afternoon, there has been a devastating terrorist incident at Bondi at the Hanukkah by the Sea celebration.
“This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah – which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith.
“An act of evil antisemitism, terrorism, that has struck the heart of our nation.
“An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian and every Australian tonight will be like me, devastated on this attack on our way of life. There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear, we will eradicate it.
“Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity where Australians across the board will embrace their fellow Australians of Jewish faith at this dark moment for our nation.
“Our police and security agencies are working to determine anyone associated with this outrage.”
Lanyon also added that the police were aware of one of the suspects. With police yet to confirm names, he said there had been no 'specific threat' from the deceased offender.
He added: "What I said is that we are aware of the person. That does not mean there was any specific threat posed by that person.
“If the police had had intelligence there was a risk to the community or to this event, we would have taken significant action.”
Minns said that it is a 'shocking event' and that mass shootings are 'not common in Australia. "And it's all the more shocking because of that," he added.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has told any Brits caught up in the Bondi Beach shooting to contact the consulate for support.
She said on X: “The scenes from Bondi Beach are deeply shocking and distressing. My thoughts are with everyone affected and Australia’s emergency services.
“British nationals should follow local police and authorities advice and can contact the British Consulate General Sydney for support.”
Jess Battison