Police officers work near the scene following a shooting incident at Bondi Beach, in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday. NSW Police confirmed at least ten deaths, including one alleged shooter, following the incident. Photo by Mick Tsikas/EPA
At least 10 people were killed after two gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday. Some officials have said the death toll stands at 12 people killed.
New South Wales Police said in a statement that one of the suspected shooters was among those confirmed dead. The second alleged shooter is in critical condition.
Another 11 people were reported injured, including two police officers, authorities said. Their conditions were not immediately known.
Police said emergency services were called to respond to reports of shots fired around 6:45 p.m. local time, and residents were advised to take immediate shelter in the aftermath.
As the investigation continued, police said that a number of suspicious items were found nearby that prompted responses from bomb squads, though no other incidents in Sydney have been reported in connection with the shooting.
The shooting has been declared a terrorist attack, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon later told a press conference. He said police were investigating if a third person was involved in the shooting.
New South Wales State Premier Chris Minns said at the news conference that the attack “was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed in a video message that the shooting happened during a “Hanukkah by the Sea” celebration hosted by Chabad of Bondi.
A listing for the event said it included live entertainment and a giant menorah lighting among other activities “for all ages.”
“An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian,” Albanese said. “There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation.”
