Police say at least 12 people have been killed in a mass shooting near a Jewish gathering at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, in one of the deadliest attacks in the city’s recent history.
Authorities confirmed that one suspected shooter was killed at the scene, while another remains in police custody. Two police officers were injured during the incident and have since undergone surgery. Their conditions have not been publicly disclosed.
The shooting occurred at around 6:50 p.m. on Sunday near a footbridge and adjacent car park close to Bondi Beach, where a Jewish community event, Chanukah by the Sea 2025, was taking place in a nearby park. The beach and surrounding area were crowded at the time.
Bystander hailed as hero
Footage circulating widely on social media shows a bystander intervening during the attack, tackling and disarming an armed man believed to be one of the shooters. The footage, shows a man wearing a white shirt running toward a gunman dressed in dark clothing who was holding a rifle.
The bystander is seen grabbing the gunman from behind, forcibly wrenching the rifle from his hands and then pointing it back at him before placing the weapon on the ground. The armed man appears to stumble and retreat toward a bridge area where another shooter was believed to be positioned.
Police confirmed that the individuals shown in the video match the suspects later surrounded by officers, based on their clothing and location.
The bystander’s actions were widely praised online, with many describing him as a hero whose intervention may have saved lives. His identity has not been released.
“This Australian man saved countless lives by stripping the gun off one of the terrorists at Bondi Beach,” one social media user wrote. Another described the act as “extraordinary bravery.”
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the footage as “the most unbelievable scene I’ve ever seen.”
“A man walking up to a gunman who had fired on the community and single-handedly disarming him, putting his own life at risk to save countless others,” Minns said. “That man is a genuine hero, and I have no doubt many people are alive tonight because of his bravery.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also praised the response of civilians and emergency services, saying Australians had “run towards danger in order to help others.”
“These Australians are heroes, and their bravery has saved lives,” he said at a press conference.
Investigation continues amid explosive fears
Police said one suspected gunman was killed and another left in critical condition, while investigators are examining whether a third shooter may have been involved.
Authorities also raised concerns that an explosive device may have been brought to the scene. NSW Police confirmed that a car park and surrounding streets near the footbridge were cordoned off as specialist officers examined “a number of suspicious items” located in the area. An exclusion zone remains in place while nearby vehicles are searched.
Casualties and arrests
Police later confirmed that at least 10 people had died, including one of the shooters, and that at least 16 others were injured. Officials cautioned that casualty figures may change as the investigation continues and more information becomes available.
Footage captured by local residents showed two men lying face down on the ground as police made arrests. In one video, a shirtless bystander appeared to approach a suspect in custody and stomp on his head before being pushed away by an officer.
Large ammunition cartridges, believed to be shotgun shells, were visible scattered across the ground. Officers were also seen performing CPR on one man, while another lay nearby in handcuffs.
The shooting occurred close to a Jewish holiday celebration advertised as Chanukah by the Sea 2025, hosted by Chabad of Bondi.
“Join Chabad of Bondi for our Annual Chanukah Festival as we celebrate Jewish life by lighting up the iconic Bondi Beach,” the event description read.
It remains unclear whether the event was directly targeted, and police have not confirmed a motive.
Official response and public appeal
In a statement, Prime Minister Albanese said he was in contact with federal and state authorities and urged the public to follow official police guidance.
“The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing,” he said. “Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected.”
Police are now appealing for anyone who was in the Bondi Beach area at the time of the shooting and has mobile phone or dashcam footage to provide it to investigators.
Authorities say further updates will be released as the situation develops.
