10 Killed in Australia Shooting at Bondi Beach During Jewish Holiday, Two Suspects in Custody

At least ten people were killed and around a dozen injured after gunmen opened fire during a Jewish holiday event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, Australian authorities confirmed, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the country in recent years.

New South Wales Police said two suspects were taken into custody, while the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that one of the attackers was among those killed in the incident.

Emergency services rushed victims to nearby hospitals as chaos unfolded at one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, typically crowded with locals and visitors, especially on warm weekend evenings.

Improvised Explosive Device Found

Australian police revealed that an improvised explosive device (IED) was discovered in a vehicle linked to one of the suspects.

“We have found an improvised explosive device in a car which is linked to the deceased offender,” NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon told a press conference.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the attack was planned as a coordinated terror incident, but investigations are ongoing.

Prime Minister Calls Attack ‘Shocking and Distressing’

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the shooting as “shocking and distressing,” confirming that emergency responders were working to save lives at the scene.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and bloodshed.

“I saw at least 10 people on the ground and blood everywhere,” said Harry Wilson, a local resident who witnessed the attack.

Jewish Community Targeted During Hanukkah Celebration

The attack occurred as members of the Jewish community gathered to light the first candle of Hanukkah on Bondi Beach.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the shooting, saying Jewish people celebrating the holiday had been attacked by “vile terrorists.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also expressed outrage, linking the incident to rising anti-Semitism in Australia.

Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, called the attack “unfathomable,” confirming that his media adviser was among those wounded.

Videos Show Gunfire and Police Response

Videos circulating on X (formerly Twitter) appeared to show beachgoers fleeing as gunshots rang out and police sirens blared. One video showed a man firing a large weapon before being tackled by a bystander, while another showed gunfire from a pedestrian bridge.

Additional footage showed two men restrained by police, with officers attempting to resuscitate one of them. Authorities have not yet verified the videos.

Attack Rekindles Memories of Past Sydney Terror Incidents

The Bondi Beach shooting occurred nearly 11 years after the Lindt Café siege in Sydney, when a lone gunman held hostages for 16 hours, resulting in the deaths of two hostages and the attacker.

Australia’s opposition leader Sussan Ley described the loss of life as “significant,” saying the nation was in mourning following violence at “the heart of an iconic Australian community.”

Pakistan Expresses Solidarity with Australia

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, offering condolences to the victims and their families.

“Pakistan, itself a victim of terrorism, stands in solidarity with Australia and condemns violence against innocent civilians,” President Zardari said in a statement.

Prime Minister Shehbaz echoed the sentiment, stating:

“We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Australia in this difficult time and condemn terrorism in all its forms.”