Bomb Threat Active at Bondi as Video Shows Bystander Tackling Gunman During Mass Shooting
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NSW Police are working to disarm a possible explosive device at Bondi Beach while video emerges of a bystander who tackled one gunman and seized his rifle during Sunday’s mass shooting that killed nine people.
The security situation at Bondi Beach remains active hours after two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration, killing nine and wounding at least 12 others, including two police officers.
Amid the chaos, extraordinary footage captured a civilian physically confronting one of the attackers—an intervention that may have prevented further casualties.
The Bystander Intervention
While approximately 50 to 60 gunshots tore through the “Hanukkah by the Sea” event on Sunday evening, one person ran toward the danger instead of away from it.
Video footage aired by Sky News Australia shows a bystander tackling one of the two shooters, wrestling him to the ground, and taking the rifle from his hands.
Sky News senior reporter Caroline Marcus described it as “extraordinary footage” showing “the moment Bondi Beach gunmen were taken down.”
NSW Police have not publicly identified the individual or confirmed how this intervention affected the attack’s outcome. The specific timeline—whether it ended the shooting or occurred after one gunman had stopped firing—remains unclear.
Active shooter guidance from police and security experts typically advises civilians to run, hide, or as a last resort, fight. The decision to physically confront an armed attacker carries extreme risk.
In the 2022 Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing—which occurred less than two kilometers from Sunday’s shooting location—security guard Faraz Tahir and shopper Damien Guerot were recognized for confronting the attacker. Tahir died in that incident.
The Active Bomb Threat
Authorities are now working to assess and potentially disarm what they describe as a possible improvised explosive device at the scene.
NSW Police released a statement: “Police are responding to a developing incident at Bondi Beach and are urging the public to AVOID the area. Anyone at the scene should take shelter.”
The bomb threat adds a layer of danger for first responders and complicates evidence collection at the crime scene.
What Is an IED?
An improvised explosive device is a bomb constructed from non-military components. IEDs range from simple pipe bombs to sophisticated devices with remote detonation. Their presence at mass casualty events sometimes indicates planning for secondary attacks targeting first responders.
Police have not confirmed whether the device is viable or a decoy.
Current Police Instructions
If you are near Bondi Beach:
Take shelter immediately
Follow all police directions
Do not cross police lines
Do not approach any suspicious objects
If you are elsewhere:
Avoid traveling to the Bondi Beach area
Use alternative routes if traveling through Sydney’s eastern suburbs
Monitor official police communications for updates
The Broader Security Response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has convened the National Security Council, the federal government’s peak body for coordinating responses to security threats.
Prior to the attack, Australia’s national terror threat level was set at “probable,” meaning intelligence agencies assessed a 50 percent or greater chance of a terrorist attack occurring. This level has been in place since late 2023.
NSW Police confirmed two suspects are in custody and one attacker was shot dead. They have not specified whether the death resulted from police action, the civilian intervention, or another cause.
Flow-On Security Measures
Jewish community events across Australia have implemented heightened security or cancelled gatherings.
A Hanukkah event at Melbourne’s Caulfield Racecourse was cancelled. The Community Security Group told attendees to leave immediately and advised anyone traveling to the event to return home.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said “all Victorians stand with New South Wales and everyone who is grieving right now.”
What Information Police Are Seeking
Anyone with footage or information about the attack is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police have specifically requested that people avoid sharing unverified information on social media, which can complicate investigations and cause additional distress.
What Happens Next
The bomb threat must be resolved before full crime scene processing can begin. The identity of the bystander who intervened may emerge as the investigation progresses—such individuals have previously received recognition including bravery awards, though some have requested anonymity.
For real-time official information, monitor the NSW Police Force social media accounts and the NSW Police website.
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