Chaos erupted at Bondi Beach in Sydney as gunmen opened fire, prompting police to detain two suspects and implement heightened security measures in the surrounding area.
According to ABC News, the attack occurred during a Jewish Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach. The event, named “Chanukah by the Sea 2025”, was held from 5:00 PM near the children’s playground by the beach. The festival was organized by a local Jewish center, Chabad of Bondi.
Eyewitness Barry, who was attending the event with his children, described the sudden terror: gunmen fired from a bridge toward the crowd. He expressed shock, saying, “An attack like this in Australia, especially at a Jewish festival, is unbelievable.”
Another witness, present at Bronte Beach, reported hearing approximately 20 gunshots. Initially mistaking the sounds for fireworks, the witness realized the severity of the situation upon seeing a helicopter overhead.
Social media posts and verified video footage showed gunmen firing from a small bridge near the Campbell Parade carpark toward the beach. The videos also captured emergency personnel treating the injured and active security measures in place. Scenes showed bloodstains on the ground, spent bullet casings, and discarded bulletproof vests.
Police have established a specialized security perimeter at the site and deployed teams with equipment to neutralize any improvised explosive devices (IEDs). An exclusion zone has been set up, though its precise boundaries have not yet been confirmed.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area while officers work to restore order and ensure safety.
Sources: BBC, ABC