Nine killed in mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach
Two gunmen opened fire at a popular beach destination in Sydney, Australia, killing nine people.
One of the two gunmen was also killed, while the other was injured and remains in critical condition.
At least 11 people were also injured in the shooting on Campbell Parade,Bondi Beach, at about 6.45pm.
Police earlier said that two people were in custody.
Two men dressed in black opened fire from a footbridge near a playground car park where a Jewish celebration was taking place, witnesses said.
Families took cover behind wooden benches, while blood-soaked beach-goers were filmed fleeing the scene.
Bondi is one of Australia’s most well-known beaches (Picture: Metro)
A bystander was filmed wresting a firearm, believed to be a pump-action shotgun, from a man.
The police, however, have not confirmed what weapon was involved in the developing incident.
Today is the first day of Hanukkah, or Chanukah, an eight-day Jewish festival of lights.
A Chanukah event was scheduled to take place at a playground on the northern end of the beach, near where the shooting took place.
A flier for the event, organised by a local Jewish organisation, Chabad of Bondi, said it was scheduled to start at 4pm local time.
The target or nature of the incident is unclear.
Randwick resident Elizabeth Mealey told ABC that she was having dinner with friends when they heard gunshots.
She said: ‘We thought it was fireworks, but it wasn’t – it was something much worse.
‘People started running right up the beach. It was panic, and the panic spread to Icebergs, and people are standing around still not knowing what’s going on, so it’s scary.’
Police have said that while there is no longer an active threat, people should still avoid the beach area, which stretches 3,000 feet on Sydney’s east coast.
The force added that no similar incidents are happening at Dover Heights, about one mile north of the beach.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: ‘My thoughts are with every person affected.’
His UK counterpart, Keir Starmer, similarly called the incident ‘deeply distressing’.
Starmer added on X: ‘The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack in Bondi Beach.’
Mass shootings are rare in Australia, with just one occurring since 1996. The country has one of the world’s lowest gun-related death rates.
World Affairs Correspondent
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
