At least 12 people were killed \u2014 including a gunman \u2014 and 29 others wounded when two terrorists opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration in a \u201ccowardly\u201d attack on an Australian beach late Sunday afternoon.<\/p>\n
Shots erupted at Sydney\u2019s famed Bondi Beach at around 6:45 p.m. when a large crowd gathered to celebrate the first night of the Jewish holiday in an event called \u201cChanukah by the Sea 2025.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis cowardly act of terrified violence is shocking and painful to see and represents some of our worst fears about terrorism in Sydney,\u201d New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said at a press conference Sunday night.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis attack was designed to target Sydney\u2019s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat should\u2019ve been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emergency workers transport a person on a stretcher after a reported shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. AP<\/p>\n
Thousands of beachgoers fled as the gunfire rang out over the crowded beach.<\/p>\n
The gunmen, wearing dark shirts with one wearing white pants, perched themselves on a pedestrian bridge that overlooked Bondi Park and a road surrounding the area near the iconic coast.<\/p>\n
The crowd was gathering near the park\u2019s playground for the festive celebration that started at 5 p.m. local time before the pair launched their attack.<\/p>\n
Two gunmen dressed in black firing multiple shots on a bridge at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, 2025. COURTESY OF TIMOTHY BRANT-COLES\/UGC\/AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n
One of the suspected gunmen was killed at the scene while the other was taken into custody in critical condition, officials said.<\/p>\n
Narveed Akram, a man from Sydney\u2019s Bonnyrigg neighborhood, was identified as one of the gunmen, ABC reported, citing an anonymous senior police source. Officials reportedly raided Akram\u2019s house after the shooting.<\/p>\n
Police said that one of the gunmen was on\u00a0Australia\u2019s Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) watchlist but wasn\u2019t deemed \u201can immediate threat.\u201d<\/p>\n
Witnesses said the shooting happened on the beach where a Hanukkah celebration was held. AP<\/p>\n
Police said there was no active threat but cautioned people to stay away from the area as they work to disarm several improvised explosive device or IED, ABC reported.<\/p>\n
The devices were found scattered in the area of the shooting and inside the car of the suspected terrorists.<\/p>\n
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the \u201cvile\u201d attack as a \u201cdark moment of the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith,\u201d Albanese said at a press conference in Canberra.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn act of evil antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation,\u201d he said. \u201cAn 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear, we will eradicate it,\u201d Albanese added. \u201cAmidst 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the tragedy a \u201ccruel attack on Jews.\u201d<\/p>\n