Bondi beach mass shooting: What we know so far as police investigate possibility of third gunman
A total of 29 people have been injured in the mass shooting, including two police officers
Twelve people have been killed in a terrorist attack in Sydney’s Bondi Beach after two gunmen opened fire on a crowd celebrating the start of a Jewish festival at the popular tourist destination.
Police officials said one of the two gunmen dressed in black was among the twelve fatalities and another has been arrested. The second suspected attacker is in a critical condition, they said.
The attack at Bondi Beach targeted families celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, police have confirmed.
The New South Wales Police said a total of 29 people were injured in the mass shooting, including two police officers, while searches of the area continue after improvised explosive devices were found in a car near the scene.
Officers are investigating whether there is a third attacker or anyone else linked to the atrocity.
Emergency services were rushed to Campbell Parade at around 6.45pm local time after reports of shots being fired. Officers from the Eastern Suburbs Police area command said they responded to the crisis and a multi-agency response is continuing.
“An extensive crime scene has been established and inquiries are now underway. There have been NO reports of any other incidents in Sydney connected to this incident,” the statement added.
Hundreds had gathered at the popular tourist destination to attend an event called Chanukah by the Sea.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese, addressing the nation, said: “The evil that was unleashed at Bondi beach today is beyond comprehension.”
“Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected,” he said.
The Australian PM said he has spoken to senior police officials and the New South Wales Premier.
“We will dedicate every resource required to making sure you are safe and protected,” he told Australia’s Jewish population.
New South Wales premier Chris Minns described the reports and images coming from the scene as "deeply distressing."
"This attack was designed to target Sydney's Jewish community," Mr Minns said.
Mal Lanyon, the police commissioner for New South Wales Police, said the massacre was declared a terrorist attack due to the event targeted and weapons used. Several improvised explosive devices were also found in a car near the scene linked to the deceased suspect, he said.
Distressing videos circulating on social media appeared to show people on Bondi beach scattering as multiple gunshots and police sirens can be heard. Local news outlets spoke to distressed bystanders who witnessed the horror.
Belinda Clemens told CNN that she was sitting on the rocks near the north side of Bondi today when she heard gunshots.
“It sounded like fireworks and then it sort of became clear that it was a shooting because people were running in either direction,” Clemens said, adding that she then saw what appeared to be gunshots hitting the water and “spray going into the air”.
Lachlan Moran, 32, from Melbourne, was waiting for his family nearby when he heard shots, he told The Associated Press. He dropped the beer he was carrying for his brother and ran.
"You heard a few pops, and I freaked out and ran away... I started sprinting. I just had that intuition. I sprinted as quickly as I could," Mr Moran said. He said he heard shooting off and on for about five minutes.
"Everyone just dropped all their possessions and everything and were running and people were crying and it was just horrible," Mr Moran said.
Tributes were paid to Eli Schlanger, British-born rabbi, who was named as one of the victims.
The father-of-five, who was assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, a Jewish cultural centre, grew up in Temple Fortune, north London.
The 41-year-old and his wife, Chayala, are said to have celebrated the birth of their youngest child, a boy, two months ago.
His cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis, from Brighton, told Jewish News: “How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?”
Mr Minns told a press conference in Sydney that the Bondi Beach attack represents “some of our worst fears about terrorism”.
However hailed the actions of a heroic bystander who was filmed single handedly wrestling a gun from the hands of one of the suspected terrorists.
He described the footage as “unbelievable”, adding: “A man walking up to gunman who had fired on the community and single handedly disarming him, putting his own life at risk to save the lives of countless other people.
“That man is a genuine hero and I’ve no doubt that there are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery.”
The hero, said to be a 43-year-old fruit shop owner from Sutherland Shire, sustained two bullet wounds to his arm and hand but is recovering well in hospital, according to reports.
The attack comes almost exactly 11 years after a lone gunman took 18 hostages in Sydney’s Lindt Cafe in Sydney. Two hostages and the gunman were killed after a 16-hour standoff.
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