11 killed in terrorist attack during Jewish event at Bondi Beach in Australia's Sydney

At least 11 people were shot dead, and 29 others were injured after two gunmen opened fire at a Jewish event being held at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday (December 14), triggering panic and chaos in the popular seaside area, Australian authorities said.

The New South Wales Police confirmed that two individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the incident, with one of the gunmen killed during an exchange of fire with officers. The second suspect was in critical condition and arrested.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing hysterical screams as people ran in all directions to escape the gunfire. Videos from the scene show bystanders attempting to administer CPR to the injured, while others scrambled for safety amid a stampede-like situation.

In the aftermath of the shooting, security forces rushed to the spot and were seen taking control of the area. Several visuals captured scenes of fear and confusion, with people seeking cover and authorities working to secure the location.

According to news agency AP, at least 29 people were confirmed wounded, said Mal Lanyon, the police commissioner for New South Wales state, where Sydney is located. Two of those hurt were police officers.  A massive emergency response was underway, with injured people loaded into ambulances.

"This attack was designed to target Sydney's Jewish community," the state's Premier Chris Minns said. Hundreds had gathered for an event at Bondi Beach called Chanukah by the Sea, which was celebrating the start of the Hanukkah Jewish festival.

The police commissioner said the massacre was declared a terrorist attack due to the event targeted and weapons used .

Dramatic



footage apparently filmed by a member of the public and broadcast on Australian television channels showed someone appearing to tackle and disarm one of the gunmen, before pointing the man’s weapon at him.

According to eyewitnesses and videos circulating on social media, two gunmen in black clothing were seen on a bridge and fired several rounds. At least a dozen to 50 shots were heard. People were seen fleeing the beach, and police sirens blared. Some reports said the attack occurred during a Hanukkah (Jewish festival) celebration, where the "Chanukah by the Sea" event organised by Chabad of Bondi was taking place.

Police said their operation was ongoing and that a number of suspicious items located in the vicinity were being examined by specialist officers, including an improvised explosive device found in one of the suspect's cars. 

Emergency services were called to Campbell Parade about 6.45 p.m. responding to reports of shots being fired.

One of the alleged shooters in the deadly attacks at Bondi Beach in Sydney was Naveed Akram, according to a senior law enforcement official, as reported by ABC Australia news. Akram, a man from the city's south-west, was believed to have carried out an attack at the Australian iconic beach, packed with visitors on a busy weekend.

The Australian authorities said Akram's home in the suburb of Bonnyrigg was being raided by police on Sunday evening.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said that one of the shooters was known to authorities, but clarified that "the person that we know has very, very little knowledge to the police".

"So he's not someone that we would have automatically been looking at this time," he said.