What we know about the Bondi Beach shooting

Sunday, 14 December 2025 20:36

Here's what we know about the incident so far.

At least 12 people are confirmed dead after a horror mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach that targeted a Hanukkah celebration and has been deemed a terrorist attack.

Twelve people have been killed, including one of the shooters, and 29 people were injured.

A major emergency response operation is still under way at the famous beach.

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Here's what we know about the incident so far.

What happened at Bondi Beach

Two men opened fire from a bridge into Archer Park about 6.47pm (AEDT), where the Chanukah by the Sea 2025 festival for children was taking place.

It's believed there were more than 1000 people at the festival, while thousands others were at and around the beach.

Some attendees and beachgoers have reported initially thinking the gunshots were fireworks.

Thousands of people began to flee the beach, running into the water and nearby businesses and cafes.

The shooting unfolded over nine minutes.

Police were on the scene within five minutes.

Police issued an alert just before 7pm, urging the public to avoid the area due to the "developing incident".

At least 12 people have been killed, including one of the shooters, and 29 others injured.

One of the shooters has died, while the other is in custody in a serious condition.

Police discovered a car with several "improvised explosives" on Campbell Parade shortly after the shooting.

A rescue bomb disposal unit is on the scene and an investigation is still under way."

They will take the appropriate action. They're experts in their field," Lanyon said.

What we know about the shooters

One of the shooters is dead, while the other has been taken to hospital in a serious condition under police guard.

Vision captured by witnesses appears to show the shooters both wearing black clothing.

Police have said they are investigating reporters of a third shooter.

"I cannot confirm there is a third offender, but I want to make sure there's no stone left unturned," NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said.

ASIO Director General Mike Burgess confirmed that one of the gunmen was known to the organisation.

"One of these individuals was known to us, but not in an immediate threat perspective," Burgess told reporters in Canberra.

"So obviously we need to look into what happened."

Extraordinary footage has emerged of a bystander appearing to wrestle a rifle from one of the gunman while horrified witnesses filmed.

Witness Alexander told 9News he was watching the man as he grabbed the gun and then pointed it at the suspected shooter.

"God bless him," Alexander said.

"We had a man like that... who put his own life at risk to save some more lives and not to escalate it to the next level."

9News understands police are raiding a home in Bonnyrigg as they investigate the shooters.

What we know about the victims

Emergency services are yet to confirm the details of any victims.

Twelve people have been confirmed as dead in the shooting, including one of the shooters.

A further 29 people have been injured.

Two police officers are among those shot and injured.

Lanyon said the officers' conditions were "serious, verging on critical".

Both are undergoing surgery.

"Their loved ones will be with them," Lanyon said.

9News reporter Damian Ryan reported seeing children among the injured at the scene.

"I saw children, I saw an elderly woman," Ryan said, before becoming visibly emotional.

"Families there, little children wounded, blood all over them..."

The Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) in Camperdown is no longer accepting new patients at its emergency room as of 9pm, however a makeshift triage at the entry has been set up.

Patients have also been transported to Westmead Hospital, Royal North Shore Hospital, St George Hospital, the Prince of Wales in Randwick and Sydney Children's Hospital.

The motive for the shooting has been declared a terror attack

NSW Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have confirmed the shooters targeted Australia's Jewish community during the first night of the Hanukkah holiday.

There were more than 1000 people at Archer Park in Bondi at the time.

NSW Premier Chris Minns speaks after the Bondi Beach mass shooting.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said "the evil" perpetrated was "beyond comprehension".

"This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith.

"An act of evil antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.

"An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian and every Australian tonight will be, like me, devastated by this attack on our way of life.

"There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation.

"Let me be clear: we will eradicate it."

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon declared tonight's shooting a terrorist attack.

"As a result of the circumstances of the incident, tonight at 9.36pm this evening, I declared this to be a terrorist incident," Lanyon said.

"Our counter-terrorism command will lead this investigation with investigators from the State Crime Command. No stone will be left unturned."

Lanyon also called for calm in the community.

The weapons used

Longarm firearms were used.

Lanyon said it was "way too early" to declare any more about the weapons.

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