Gunfire erupted at a family-friendly Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, killing nine civilians and one alleged shooter, with authorities investigating whether the attack targeted the Jewish community.
BY PC Bureau
December 14, 2025: At least 10 people were killed and more than a dozen injured in a mass shooting at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, December 14, 2025, during a community event marking the first day of Hanukkah.
The attack took place at “Chanukah by the Sea,” a family-friendly celebration organised by Chabad of Bondi. New South Wales Police confirmed that 10 people died—nine victims and one of the alleged shooters. A second suspected gunman was taken into custody in critical condition. Between 11 and 18 others, including police officers, sustained injuries and were transported to hospitals across Sydney, including St Vincent’s Hospital and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as gunfire erupted around 6:40 pm local time near the northern end of the beach and a children’s playground on Campbell Parade. Videos circulating online showed people fleeing in panic, scrambling for cover in nearby cafés as dozens of shots rang out. Initial reports suggest two gunmen, dressed in black, opened fire from an elevated position, possibly a footbridge overlooking a car park.
NSW Ambulance deployed more than 25 emergency resources, including helicopters and specialist response teams, to treat victims at the scene and evacuate the injured. Police urged the public to avoid the area and shelter in place during the ongoing operation.
More Footage of the suspect: Two gunmen seen in footage firing long guns from Bondi Beach footbridge, Sydney, during Hanukkah event.
Videos show suspects in black arrested post shooting; multiple victims shot, 3-10 dead, 10+ injured.
NSW Police op ongoing—avoid area. https://t.co/Z83pn3sJAi pic.twitter.com/XynCwjPu1k
— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) December 14, 2025
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the scenes as “shocking and distressing,” urging Australians to follow NSW Police guidance as authorities worked to secure the area.
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The event had drawn hundreds from Sydney’s Jewish community and featured live entertainment, music, games, and activities celebrating the Festival of Lights.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack as “cruel,” stating that Jews gathering to light the first Hanukkah candle were targeted by “vile terrorists.” He called on Australian authorities to confront what he described as a rising wave of antisemitism.
Community leaders, including representatives of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, expressed deep horror, saying the attack shattered a moment of joy and communal celebration. Investigations are ongoing, with police appealing for witness footage. While no motive has been officially confirmed, authorities say the timing and location raise concerns that the Jewish gathering may have been deliberately targeted.
