Chaos broke out at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Seashore on Sunday afternoon, when two gunmen opened fireplace on a crowd gathered for a Hanukkah occasion close to the Bondi Pavilion. The assault, which occurred throughout a family-friendly Jewish group celebration, left no less than 10 individuals lifeless, together with one of many attackers, and 12 to 18 others injured. Witnesses described scenes of panic as gunshots rang out and beachgoers evacuated amid screams and sirens.
Gunmen wearing black open fireplace on beachgoers
NSW Police mentioned the black-clad gunmen focused the packed rally, firing dozens of pictures from close by bridges and automobiles. As recorded in a circulating video, one of many gunmen died in a confrontation with police, whereas the opposite was subdued and arrested, presumably with the assistance of a heroic bystander who disarmed him. “I noticed no less than 10 individuals on the bottom, blood in all places,” witness Harry Wilson mentioned in a press release to CNN. Paramedics arrived shortly, carried out CPR on the injured and took them to hospital, however some stay in crucial situation.
Household-friendly Hanukkah pageant focused
The incident raised speedy considerations about anti-Semitism, provided that it occurred in the course of the annual Hanukkah pageant. Australian Jewish Govt Council co-chief govt Alex Rivchin mentioned if this was confirmed to be a focused assault on the Jewish group, “our worst fears may come true”. Studies similar to Haaretz have famous a spike in anti-Semitic incidents in Australia since October 2023, elevating hypothesis about motives, though authorities have but to substantiate a hyperlink. Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Antony Albanese described the occasions as “stunning and tragic” and referred to as for calm whereas praising the swift motion of police.
footage of horrific atrocities
Footage shared on social media platforms together with X and Reddit confirmed the harrowing moments, together with crowds dispersing, bystanders tackling the gunman and police securing the scene. One of many movies from 10 Information depicts a frantic rescue effort as law enforcement officials leap in to assist the injured. The seaside, a well-liked vacationer spot, was closed as a part of an ongoing operation and police suggested the general public to keep away from the world.
Anti-Semitic violence continues to rise
The tragedy marks an especially uncommon mass capturing in Australia, the place strict gun legal guidelines have been enacted within the wake of the 1996 Port Arthur bloodbath that left 35 individuals lifeless. Comparisons are inevitable, highlighting the effectiveness of those reforms but additionally highlighting their vulnerabilities within the public sphere. Sydney’s Jewish group, already in danger amid international tensions, is going through new fears, with group leaders calling for elevated safety.
Because the investigation continues, questions stay in regards to the shooter’s id and weapon. NSW Police have one suspect in custody and are investigating potential accomplices and potential radicalization. The assault drew worldwide condemnation and an inflow of messages of solidarity. Bondi Seashore, a logo of Australia’s laid-back way of life, now bears the scars of violence and is prompting nationwide reflection on hate crime and public security.