Key Takeaways
- A mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney has left 10 people dead, including the shooter
- The attack appears to have targeted an event for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah
- NSW police have confirmed that one shooter has been killed and another is in critical condition
- Two police officers were injured in the shooting
- The area has been locked down, and an exclusion zone is in place while specialist teams investigate suspicious items
- The Australian government has condemned the attack, with the prime minister expected to speak later tonight
Introduction to the Incident
The city of Sydney is reeling after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach left 10 people dead, including the shooter. The attack, which appears to have targeted an event for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, has sent shockwaves throughout the community. NSW police have confirmed that one shooter has been killed and another is in critical condition. The area has been locked down, and an exclusion zone is in place while specialist teams investigate suspicious items. The Australian government has condemned the attack, with the prime minister expected to speak later tonight.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses have described the scene as "mayhem" and "surreal". Olivia Matis, who was out for a run in the evening, said she heard the most deafening sounds and thought they must be fireworks, but then people started crouching down and saying "run". She said she thought there were about 50 shots. Another eyewitness, Sergi Cánovas, described the shooting as "very continuous" and said he saw people starting to run. He and his family hid under a table at a nearby sushi restaurant before crawling through the kitchen to a backyard with a group of people.
Government Response
The Australian government has condemned the attack, with NSW Liberal MP Julian Leeser calling it a "horrifying tragedy". Former prime minister Tony Abbott said it was an "absolute atrocity" and thanked police and ambulance responders who attended the scene. Home affairs minister Tony Burke said the news from Bondi was horrifying and encouraged everyone in Sydney to listen to the directions of the NSW police as they conduct their investigation. The NSW opposition leader, Kellie Sloane, said the shooting was a "horrific attack on our community and on our way of life".
International Response
The New Zealand prime minister, Christopher Luxon, has offered condolences, saying Australia and New Zealand "are closer than friends, we’re family". The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, said she was horrified by the events and that all Victorians stand with New South Wales and everyone who is grieving. The Australian National Imams Council has also issued a statement condemning the shooting, urging all Australians to "stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity".
Investigation and Aftermath
The NSW police have set up an exclusion zone and are investigating suspicious items in the area. Two police officers were injured in the shooting, and specialist teams are examining the items. The police are appealing for anyone with mobile phone footage or dashcam video to send it to Crime Stoppers. A press conference with the NSW premier, Chris Minns, and NSW police officials is set to start soon. The national security committee of federal cabinet is meeting, with the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, attending in Canberra. Albanese is expected to speak from Parliament House after the meeting wraps up.
Community Response
The community is in shock, with many people taking to social media to express their condolences and support for the victims and their families. The CSG Community Security Group has cancelled a Hanukah event in Melbourne "out of an abundance of caution". The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, said she was horrified by the events and that all Victorians stand with New South Wales and everyone who is grieving. The Australian National Imams Council has urged all Australians to "stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity" and to support those affected by the attack.
