SYDNEY — A shocking act of terror has ripped through one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks. On 14 December 2025, gunmen opened fire during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens more in what authorities have declared a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community.
Chaos on a summer evening
The shooting occurred in the late afternoon at Archer Park, adjacent to Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach, where hundreds had gathered for a holiday festival known as Chanukah by the Sea. Witnesses described hearing rapid gunfire and a scene that quickly devolved into panic as families, children and elderly attendees scrambled for cover.
Police reported multiple shooters opened fire from a pedestrian bridge overlooking the park — a popular spot for events and gatherings — sending attendees fleeing into nearby buildings, cars and shops to escape the barrage. The shots were heard for several minutes before officers responded.
At least 29 people were wounded in the attack, including two police officers and at least one child, with victims transported to hospitals across Sydney in critical condition.
Suspects and police response
New South Wales police swiftly cordoned off the area and engaged the attackers. One gunman was killed at the scene, while a second was wounded and taken into custody in critical condition. Authorities have indicated they are investigating the possible involvement of a third suspect as part of the ongoing operation.
In addition to the shootings, officers discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) inside a vehicle linked to the deceased gunman, prompting a bomb-squad response and further security cordons along Campbell Parade, the road parallel to the beach.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon urged the public to remain away from the area while specialist units cleared the scene and investigators worked to secure the perimeter. Emergency services remained on high alert well into the night.
Targeted attack during Hanukkah
Police and government officials have labeled the shooting a terrorist incident and a targeted attack on the Jewish community. NSW Premier Chris Minns described the shooting as a deliberate assault on people gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, a joyous festival of lights. “[What should have been] a night of peace and joy … has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack,” Minns said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence as “evil antisemitism” and vowed to pursue the perpetrators and hold them to account, reaffirming Australia’s commitment to protecting all faith communities. Albanese called a national security meeting in Canberra as details continued to unfold.
International leaders, including from Israel and various Western capitals, swiftly extended condolences and denounced the atrocity. The Irish government also confirmed its consulate was monitoring the situation and offering support to citizens in Sydney.
Heroism amid horror
Amid the terror and chaos, dramatic footage and eyewitness accounts emerged of bystanders confronting the violence. In one verifiable video, a man identified as Ahmed Al Ahmed rushed a gunman firing from the bridge, wrestled the weapon from him and temporarily neutralised the threat — sustaining serious wounds in the struggle. His actions have since been widely shared and praised, though he required urgent medical care at a hospital.
Other scenes show crowds of terrified families running for shelter, parents shielding children, and emergency personnel performing triage in nearby parks and streets — responses that highlighted both the vulnerability and resilience of civilians caught in a mass attack.
National grief and the broader context
Mass shootings are extremely rare in Australia since the landmark firearms reforms following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which sharply reduced gun violence and tightened controls on ownership. The Bondi Beach attack is now the second-deadliest mass shooting in Australia’s modern history, and its designation as a terrorist act reflects heightened concerns around ideological violence.
Security agencies had previously noted an increase in antisemitic incidents in recent years — a phenomenon linked by some analysts to global conflicts and heightened communal tensions. The attack’s occurrence during a major Jewish festival has intensified discussions about community safety, hate-motivated violence and the responsibilities of law enforcement in preventing future tragedies.
Aftermath — recovery, investigation and solidarity
In the hours following the attack, hospitals across Sydney reported surges in admissions, with medical teams working to treat gunshot wounds, shock and trauma. Police forensic units combed the crime scene for evidence while families and friends of victims sought information at command posts and online.
Community and religious organisations have called for calm and unity, urging Australians from all backgrounds to support grieving families and reject hate. Vigils and memorial services were being planned in Bondi and throughout Sydney as the city reeled from a night that began with festival lights and ended in national mourning.
As investigators continue to piece together the motives, movements and network behind the attack, authorities have made clear that the full response will stretch well beyond the initial police operation, with terrorism charges and national security implications expected to shape the long-term legal and political fallout.
7 years in the field, from local radio to digital newsrooms. Loves chasing the stories that matter to everyday Aussies – whether it’s climate, cost of living or the next big thing in tech.
