Ten killed in shooting at Bondi Beach during Hanukkah celebration in Sydney
Armed gunmen opened fire at a Jewish Hanukkah gathering on Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday, killing ten people including at least one shooter.
December 14, 2025 - 06:09 AM ET • 2 min read
Two armed men opened fire on crowds gathered for a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday, killing ten people, according to New South Wales police.
The shooting occurred during a Jewish holiday event at the beach in eastern Sydney. Hundreds of families from the local Jewish community were present at the Hanukkah celebration when the gunfire erupted.
Police said two people were detained in connection with the attack. One of the suspected shooters was killed during the incident, while the second alleged shooter was reported to be in critical condition following an exchange of fire with police. Video footage showed police firing at the two attackers from a bridge overlooking a parking area near the beach.
Approximately twelve people were wounded and taken to local hospitals, according to a spokesperson for the local ambulance service. Two of the injured were police officers.
A man in a white shirt was captured on video disarming one of the shooters. It remained unclear whether the man was a civilian or an undercover police officer, according to Australian media reports. The man approached the attacker from behind, seized the rifle, and pointed it at him before the shooter moved toward a bridge where his accomplice was located. Both attackers were subsequently struck by police gunfire at that location.
Harry Wilson, a 30-year-old local resident, witnessed the shooting. "I saw at least 10 people on the ground and blood everywhere," Wilson told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as "shocking and distressing," stating that "emergency teams are on site working to save lives."
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack, linking it to antisemitism in Australia. Speaking at an event at his residence in Jerusalem, Herzog said: "At this very moment, our brothers and sisters in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a bloody attack against Jews who went to light the first candle of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach." Herzog urged the Australian government to combat "the enormous wave of antisemitism" affecting Australian society.
The Australian National Imams Council issued a statement condemning the shooting as "horrific," expressing condolences to victims, their families, and all those affected by the attack.