At least 11 people were killed and dozens more injured after gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach overnight, Australian officials said, calling the attack an act of terrorism that targeted the Jewish community.
Authorities said the shooting happened during a public event celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, with more than 1,000 people believed to be in attendance. Witness video captured the sound of rapid gunfire as people fled the beachfront gathering.
In addition to the 11 people killed, at least 29 others were injured, including two police officers.
Police said two suspects were involved — one gunman was shot and killed by officers, while the second was arrested and remains in critical condition.
Investigators said suspicious items were found at the scene, including an improvised explosive device discovered in one of the suspects’ vehicles.
Officials said the nature of the event and the weapons used led them to classify the shooting as a terrorist attack.
One witness told reporters at the scene that at least one child was among those injured.
“She seemed like a kid, maybe eight years old,” the witness said. “She was injured in the leg, crying and on the ground.”
The Premier of New South Wales said the attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community. A local rabbi in Sydney, Rabbi Levi Wolff, warned of rising antisemitism worldwide, saying unchecked hatred can lead to violence.
“There has been a terrible amount of antisemitism in the world right now,” Rabbi Wolff said. “And unfortunately, when we allow things like that to go unchecked, these are the things that inevitably do happen.”
A gunman is seen firing at a crowd of people during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach that ultimately left 11 people dead. December 2025.
People are seen fleeing a mass shooting at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration that left 11 people dead. December 2025. (Marcos Vinicius via Storyful)
First responders rushed to the scene of the Bondi Beach shooting that killed 11 people. December 2025. (Dan Wilkinson via Storyful)
The attack quickly reverberated in Southern California, home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the United States.
The Los Angeles Police Department said there is no known threat to Los Angeles at this time but announced increased patrols at Jewish facilities, schools, synagogues and Hanukkah events throughout the city.
“The LAPD remains vigilant and committed to protecting our diverse communities,” the department said in a statement, encouraging residents to stay alert, report suspicious activity to 911 and review security protocols at community events.
Governor Gavin Newsom called the shooting a “vile act of terror,” saying the state stands with the Jewish community worldwide against rising antisemitic violence.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also condemned the attack, calling it “another horrific antisemitic act of terror on the Jewish community,” and said the city has reached out to the Australian Consul General in Los Angeles to offer condolences and support.
“The LAPD has already increased patrols near places of worship and in communities tonight, during the first night of Hanukkah and throughout the holiday,” Bass said.
The Beverly Hills Police Department said it has also increased patrols around houses of worship and public events, while Mayor Sharona Nazarian said the attack was “a heinous and evil act of terrorism” and emphasized that antisemitism “will never be tolerated.”
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department echoed those sentiments, urging the public to follow a “See Something, Say Something” approach and report suspicious behavior immediately.
Australian authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, including whether any additional suspects may be involved.
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