Bondi Beach mass shooting kills 11 people celebrating Jewish festival

A mass shooting at Bondi Beach late Sunday has killed 15 people and wounded at least 40, including two police officers.

A Chanukah by the Sea Jewish festival was being celebrated on the first day of Hanukkah at Archer Park, at the northern end of Bondi Beach, when two gunmen opened fire.

One gunman was killed and another was disarmed by a member of the public in an incredible act of bravery.

The surviving offender is in custody.

The Hanukkah gathering for Sydney’s Jewish community was attended by hundreds of people.

The gunmen opened fire at about 6.40pm.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said in a statement, “our heart bleeds for Australia’s Jewish community tonight”.

“This cowardly act of terrifying violence is shocking and painful to see and represents some of our worst fears about terrorism in Sydney,” Mr Minns said.

“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah.

“What should have been a night of peace and joy and celebrated in that community with family and supporters has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack.

“I can assure the community it will be met with a massive, comprehensive police and public order response,” he said.

“I can only imagine the pain people are feeling right now to see their loved ones killed as they celebrate this ancient holiday.

“It’s the responsibility of all Australians to wrap their arms around Australia’s Jewish community and help them get through this incredibly difficult period.

“This is massive and complex – and just beginning – investigation.

“There are things (tonight) that we don’t have the answers to. However, we do have answers to some crucial pieces of information for our wonderful city and our beautiful state.

“Firstly, the outpouring of love and support from ordinary Australians for Australia’s Jewish community is real,” Mr Minns said.

“Secondly, this is another example of the enormous pressure and responsibility, the danger that NSW Police regularly face as part of their job. They do it without faltering, and they didn’t falter today. We need them.

“Tonight saw extraordinary acts of personal courage and bravery from individuals in our community.

“It’s worth remembering that in all of this evil, in all of this sadness, there are still wonderful, brave Australians prepared to risk their lives to help a complete stranger,” he said.

NSW Police said overnight the number of casualties are expected to change as the operation continues.

Police are continuing to remind the public to avoid the area and a police operation is ongoing.

Emergency services were called to Campbell Parade about 6.45pm (Sunday 14 December 2025), responding to reports of shots being fired.

Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended assisted by multiple resources across the city.

Multiple officers exchanged fire with the two men with two officers – a constable and probationary constable – suffering gunshot wounds.

During the incident one shooter – a 50-year-old man – was shot by police and died at the scene.

The other shooter – a 24-year-old man – suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.

As a result of the incident 14 people died at the scene and 42 people – including four children – were taken to hospitals across Sydney

Police have since been told two other people – a 10-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man – have since died in hospital.

Those who died are yet to be formally identified. However, police believe their ages range between 10 and 87-years-old.

Five people remain in critical conditions with the others remaining in serious and stable conditions.

Both officers remain in serious but stable conditions.

A significant crime scene has been established closing Bondi Beach and surrounding roads, and detectives from the Joint Counter Terrorism Team have commenced an investigation into the incident.

Following initial inquiries, detectives have located and seized three firearms from the scene. They will all undergo forensic examination.

Investigations are continuing.

There have been no reports of any other incidents in Sydney connected to this incident, NSW Police said.

Police also confirmed overnight a Public Information and Inquiry Centre has been activated to support the multi-agency response to the Bondi Beach incident.

The Public Information and Inquiry Centre can be contacted by calling 1800 227 228.

Members of the public can contact the centre for information relating to people impacted by the incident.

The centre will operate on a 24-hour basis for as long as is necessary.

The NSW Police Force has also activated the ‘Register Find Reunite’ capability, to assist in the registration of those who have been affected by the incident.

Police are encouraging those impacted to register their movements using the Australian Red Cross’ ‘Register, Find, Reunite’ service.

Go to Register, Find, Reunite.

The service is a National system managed and operated by Australian Red Cross and registers, finds and reunites family, friends and loved ones after an emergency.

It allows people to register to let people know they are safe; find people who may be affected by an emergency and know they are safe; and reunite through a matching process which enables police – with consent – to share details of family and friends with each other.

The PIIC will also be the place to register for people who were forced to leave personal possessions – including vehicles – behind during the emergency.

Police warn if may be some days until these can be returned to their owners.

A memorial site is being arranged and will be shared once confirmed.

Police are also appealing for anyone with mobile phone vision or dashcam vision relevant to this incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or CrimeStoppers.

Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Police will provide an update on Strike Force Belen at 7.15pm today. In attendance will be Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism, Yasmin Catley, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon and NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dominic Morgan.