Deadly Mass Shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach Targets Hanukkah Celebration

A terror attack at Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach has left 16 people dead and nearly 40 others injured. Two gunmen opened fire on a large crowd gathered for a public Hanukkah celebration on Sunday evening. The assailants specifically targeted the Jewish community event marking the first night of the holiday.

One shooter was killed by police and another is in custody in critical condition. Authorities are investigating the attack as an act of antisemitism. The incident is Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades.

Chaotic Scene as Unarmed Civilian Confronts Gunman

Video footage from the scene shows a moment of extraordinary bravery. An unarmed civilian tackled one of the gunmen, briefly disarming him during the chaos. The civilian was subsequently shot and hospitalized but is expected to survive, according to a family statement.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns praised the man’s actions. He stated that many people are alive because of his intervention. The shooters were later engaged in a firefight with responding police units.

Global Condemnation Follows Antisemitic Attack

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence in a national address. He called the shooting an “act of evil antisemitism” and pledged support for the Jewish community. Leaders from Israel, the United Kingdom, and the United States also issued statements of solidarity.

Among the victims were a British-born rabbi and a Holocaust survivor. At least 29 injured individuals were transported to area hospitals. The attack has shocked a nation with historically strict gun control laws.

This tragic event at Bondi Beach underscores a dangerous global rise in antisemitic violence. Communities worldwide are now grappling with the sobering reality of hatred turning deadly in public spaces.

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What was the event that was attacked?

The attack targeted a public Hanukkah celebration on the first night of the Jewish festival. Over a thousand people had gathered at Bondi Beach for the community event when the shooting began.

What is the condition of the gunmen?

One of the attackers was killed during a shootout with police. The second gunman was apprehended and is currently in custody in critical condition, according to New South Wales police.

How rare are mass shootings in Australia?

This is the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since 1996. The country enacted very strict gun control laws after the Port Arthur massacre, resulting in very low annual firearm death rates.

Who was the civilian who confronted a gunman?

An unidentified unarmed man tackled one shooter and briefly took his weapon. He was shot during the struggle and underwent surgery but is expected to recover. Officials have hailed him as a hero.

How have leaders responded to the attack?

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it an act of antisemitism. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized what he called a failure to confront rising hatred. Global leaders have offered condolences and condemned the violence.