Gunmen opened fire at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens in what Australian officials described as a targeted antisemitic attack.
Police said one suspected attacker was killed, a second was in critical condition, and investigators were examining whether a third gunman was involved.
Around 1,000 people had gathered at the beach for the event on a hot summer evening when the shooting erupted and lasted about 10 minutes.
Authorities said far more people would have been killed without the intervention of a bystander who disarmed one of the attackers.
Officials described the incident as one of the most serious acts of violence in Australia in decades.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said 29 people were taken to hospital, including two police officers, as emergency services responded to the scene.
A bomb-disposal unit was deployed to investigate several suspected improvised explosive devices found nearby.
Australian intelligence chief Mike Burgess said one suspected attacker was known to authorities but had not been considered an immediate threat.
Footage shared on social media showed a bystander charging an armed man, grappling with him, and wresting a rifle from his hands.
Authorities said the bystander’s actions likely prevented further casualties.
"There are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery," said Chris Minns, the premier of New South Wales.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened a meeting of Australia’s national security council and condemned the attack.
He said the assault occurred on the first day of Hanukkah and described the violence as “beyond comprehension.”
Jewish community leaders said the attack had shaken a community that is small but deeply integrated into Australian society.
International leaders and religious organizations, including the Australian National Imams Council, condemned the violence and called for accountability.
Authorities said investigations were continuing as the nation mourned the victims and assessed security measures.