Australia captain Pat Cummins calls for blood donations after Bondi Beach attack

Australian cricket team captain Pat Cummins has issued an urgent public appeal for blood donations across New South Wales following a deadly attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach that left 16 people dead and dozens injured.

The incident occurred on Sunday night during the Chanukah by the Sea event, shattering the festive atmosphere as gunfire erupted and crowds fled in panic. NSW Health confirmed on Monday that 27 people remained hospitalised, with authorities stressing the ongoing need for blood supplies to treat those injured.

Cummins, a resident of Sydney's eastern suburbs, said he was deeply shaken by the tragedy and urged people to support victims by donating blood. "Absolutely devastated by the horror last night in Bondi," Cummins wrote on social media. "My heart goes out to the victims, their families, the people of Bondi and the Jewish community during this time. If you can, please book an appointment to donate blood."

Medical authorities and blood donation agencies have intensified their appeals, particularly for donors with O-negative blood, which is crucial in emergency situations. A Lifeblood spokesperson said fewer than seven per cent of the population have O-negative blood, making it especially hard to maintain adequate stocks.

"O negative



and O positive blood are always in high demand because they are used in emergencies when a patient's blood type is unknown," the spokesperson said, adding that in serious trauma cases, up to 100 donations may be required to save a single life.

New South Wales Police confirmed that the shooting, which targeted members of Sydney’s Jewish community during the event, has been officially classified as a terrorist attack. Emergency services responded swiftly, securing the area and providing urgent medical assistance.

Members of the cricketing community joined the wider sporting world in expressing shock and solidarity. Cummins’ teammate Usman Khawaja wrote: “Lives lost senselessly, families shattered and the Bondi community traumatised. There are no words, only heartbreak.” Khawaja said he was praying for “the Jewish and Bondi community as a whole” and stressed that there was “no room whatsoever for these hate crimes.”

Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board also issued a joint statement condemning the attack. “We are horrified by the tragic events at Bondi Beach,” it read. “All of our thoughts are with the victims, their friends and families, the Jewish community and the people of Australia at this deeply distressing time.”