NSW Police Declare Bondi Beach Shooting a Terrorist Attack, Confirm 12 Dead Including Gunman
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NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed at least 12 people were killed when two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach Sunday evening, as Police Commissioner declared the attack a terrorist incident and revealed improvised explosive devices were found in the attackers’ vehicle.
Two gunmen opened fire on more than 1,000 people gathered at Archer Park for a Hanukkah celebration at approximately 6:47 p.m. Sunday, killing at least 12 people in what authorities have formally designated a terrorist attack targeting Sydney’s Jewish community.
“This cowardly act of terrifying violence is shocking and painful to see and represents some of our worst fears about terrorism in Sydney,” Premier Minns said at a press conference Sunday night.
NSW Police Commissioner confirmed that 29 people were transported to hospitals across Sydney, including two police officers in serious to critical condition who were undergoing surgery. One attacker is dead and a second is in custody in serious condition.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah,” Premier Minns said. “What should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack.”
What Is a Terrorist Incident Declaration?
At 9:36 p.m., the NSW Police Commissioner formally declared the shooting a terrorist incident, activating special investigative powers under Section 5 and Section 6 of counter-terrorism legislation.
The declaration was based on multiple factors: the targeting of a religious celebration on the first night of Hanukkah, the types of weapons used, information about the deceased attacker, and the discovery of improvised explosive devices.
“As a result of the circumstances of the incident tonight... I declared this to be a terrorist incident,” the Commissioner said. “This type of disgraceful activity, this wanton use of violence, the taking of innocent lives is unacceptable to New South Wales. It’s not our way of life.”
The IED Discovery
Shortly after the shooting, police located a vehicle on Campbell Parade at Bondi containing what they believe are several improvised explosive devices. The Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit is working to secure the vehicle.
“We have found an improvised explosive device in a car which is linked to the deceased offender,” the Commissioner said.
What Police Know About the Attackers
The Commissioner confirmed that the deceased attacker was known to authorities prior to the incident, though she described this knowledge as “very little.”
“He’s not someone that we would have automatically been looking at at this time,” he said.
When asked how police failed to detect the planned attack, the Commissioner pushed back: “I don’t even think that’s a reasonable question. What I said is that we are aware of the person. That does not mean there was any specific threat posed by that person.”
Police are investigating whether a third person was involved. The Commissioner said she could not confirm a third offender but had activated special powers “to make sure there’s no stone left unturned.”
The firearms used were described only as “long arms.” Police said it is too early to determine where the weapons came from or how the attackers obtained them.
Premier Minns on Community Response
Premier Minns highlighted three key points in his address.
First, he noted “the outpouring of love and support from ordinary Australians for Australia’s Jewish community is real.”
Second, he praised NSW Police: “Today is another example of the enormous pressure and responsibility, the danger that New South Wales Police regularly face as part of their job. They do it without faltering. They didn’t falter today.”
Third, he acknowledged civilian bravery: “Tonight saw extraordinary acts of personal courage and bravery from individuals in our community... There are still wonderful, brave Australians that are prepared to risk their lives to help a complete stranger.”
Minns urged unity over division.
“We can’t let these evil people divide Australia up,” he said. “That’s what these terrorists want. They want Australians divided and at each other’s throats, and we can’t let that happen. In fact, we won’t let that happen.”
Prime Minister’s National Address
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking after an emergency National Security Committee meeting, called the attack “an act of evil anti-Semitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.”
“An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian,” Albanese said. “There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear, we will eradicate it.”
Albanese praised bystanders who intervened as “heroes,” saying their bravery had saved lives.
“We have seen Australians today run towards danger in order to help others,” he said.
When pressed on whether his government had adequately responded to rising antisemitism since October 7, 2023, Albanese said: “We’ve taken it seriously and we’ve continued to act. We’ve continued to work with Jewish community leaders.”
Terror Threat Level Unchanged
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess confirmed the national terrorism threat level remains at “probable,” meaning a 50 percent chance of an attack occurring.
Burgess confirmed the deceased attacker was known to ASIO “but not in an immediate threat perspective.”
“We have no indications” of a follow-up attack, Burgess said, but agencies “will work 24 by 7” to ensure that remains the case.
Calls for Calm
The Premier appealed directly for calm and against retribution, acknowledging that the identity of one suspected attacker had been circulating on social media.
“This is not a time for retribution. This is a time to allow the police to do their duty,” he said.
What Happens Next
The Counter-Terrorism Command will lead the investigation alongside the State Crime Command. Premier Minns confirmed a full inquiry will follow.
“Anything New South Wales Police needs in terms of resources, we will provide them,” Minns said. “If there’s changes that need to be made, we will do that immediately.”
Anyone with information or footage should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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