The “massive” and “complex” investigation into the Bondi Beach terrorist attack continues as police try to piece together the shooting that has shocked the world.
Sixteen people were killed, including one of two gunmen, in the mass shooting on Sunday evening targeting Jewish patrons attending a Hanukkah event, an eight-day festival of lights.
An additional 38 people were injured, including a child and two police officers, who are in a serious condition and underwent surgery overnight.
Officers on scene combing over the bridge where the two gunmen fired from on Sunday. (ABC News: John Gunn)
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park told the ABC on Monday morning the fatalities from the attack rose from 12 to 16, including a child, overnight.
“We had four children transferred to Sydney Children’s Hospital,” he said
“We had about 38 people injured and we have had about 100 ambulance personnel, specialist units, general duties paramedics, here during the response last night.”
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described it as an “act of evil antisemitism … that has struck the heart of our nation”.
“At this dark moment for our nation, our police and security agencies are working to determine anyone associated with this outrage,” he said.
“The evil that was unleashed at Bondi Beach today is beyond comprehension, and the trauma and loss that families are dealing with tonight is beyond anyone’s worst nightmare.”
Dozens of people remain in hospital, some in serious conditions. (ABC News: Jack Fisher)
The shooting began about 6:45pm during a Chanukah by the Sea event near a children’s playground around Bondi Park.
Footage showed two men opening fire from a bridge into the crowd.
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Witnesses described the sound as like fireworks or balloons popping, before “panic” set in, with up to 20 shots reported.
One of those confirmed dead is Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who had been the head of the Chabad mission in Bondi for the last 18 years.
The second gunman is in police custody in a critical condition, and police are still investigating whether a third offender was involved.
One of the shooters has been identified as Naveed Akram from the south-west Sydney suburb Bonnyrigg.
The ABC understands his home was raided by police.
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NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon declared the shooting a terrorist attack based on the incident taking place at a religious festival, the types of weapons used and items found at the scene.
The site was initially declared an exclusion zone, but was handed over to crime scene investigators once several suspected improvised explosive devices were removed from a car on Campbell Parade.
Commissioner Lanyon said the counterterrorism command was leading the investigation with assistance from the state crime command”.
He said one of the shooters was known to police.
“No stone will be left unturned. This type of disgraceful activity, this wanton use of violence, the taking of innocent lives is unacceptable to New South Wales,” he said.
‘Horrifying evil attack’ condemned
Commissioner Lanyon (right) says the counterterrorism command is taking charge of investigations. (ABC News: Liam Patrick)
Police began scouring the site after it was declared a crime scene once several suspected improvised explosive devices were removed just before 11pm.
“What should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters, has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
“Our heart bleeds for Australia’s Jewish community tonight. I can only imagine the pain that they’re feeling right now to see their loved ones killed as they celebrate this ancient holiday.
“It’s the responsibility of Australians to wrap their arms around Australia’s Jewish community and help them get through this incredibly difficult period.
“This is a massive, complex and just beginning investigation. It’s just begun,” he said on Sunday night.
Bondi shooting witnesses recall running for their lives as attackers open fire
King Charles issued a statement saying he was saddened by “the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack” and commended “the heroic actions” of police, emergency services and members of the public.
“I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia — and the light at the heart of the Chanukah Festival — will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”
US President Donald Trump said the attack in Bondi was “terrible” and “purely antisemitic”.
Israel confirmed one of its citizens was among the dead and another was injured.
In the wake of the massacre, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised Mr Albanese, saying the Australian government “did nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism”.
NSW Police, the prime minister and premier are expected to provide updates on Monday morning.