What we're covering
• At least 11 people have been killed in a shooting targeting the Jewish community on Australia’s Bondi Beach, police say. The attack took place as hundreds gathered to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah, and has been declared a terrorist incident. The victims include an Israeli citizen, according to the country’s foreign ministry.
• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation” and said that “an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.” Israeli officials reacted with horror and anger, with several accusing the Australian government of allowing a surge in antisemitism.
• Police also confirmed that there are two known suspects — one is dead while the other is in a life-threatening condition in hospital. Officers have secured and removed explosive devices found in a nearby vehicle.
King Charles "appalled and saddened" by Bondi Beach shooting
King Charles said he and Queen Camilla are “appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack” which targeted the Jewish community at Bondi Beach on the first day of Hanukkah.
In a message sent to the Australian people, the monarch said, “Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community.”
Charles commended emergency responders as well as members of the public “whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy.”
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales also sent a message, saying their “thoughts are with every Australian today.”
The couple offered their “deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives” before adding that they “stand with the Jewish community in grief.”
"He was holding his daughter, praying": Rabbi tells of nephew caught up in Bondi Beach shooting
A Rabbi based in the US on Sunday described how his nephew was caught up in the fatal shooting at Bondi Beach, hiding with his daughter as bullets flew past them.
“He described to me how he was literally hiding as the shooting was going on,” Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Executive Vice President of the American Friends of Lubavitch, told CNN.
He said that Sydney, a city which has always prided itself on multiculturalism, has now “taken a turn for the worse, in a very major way.”
Adding that Australia is home to the largest community of Holocaust survivors outside of Israel, Shemtov continued, “Many people wanted to get as far away from the horrors of the Holocaust after it ended and went to Australia, and rebuilt their lives very successfully … and were very productive in the development of Australia as a nation.”
Australia's current terrorism threat level is "probable" — what does that mean?
Australia’s National Terrorism Threat level is currently set at “probable,” according to the Australian government. This level is in the middle of five tiers on a scale which informs the public about the likelihood of a terror attack taking place in Australia.
The five levels are ranked from the highest chance of an act of terrorism happening to the smallest likelihood. They are — Certain, Expected, Probable, Possible and Not Expected.
When a terror threat level is “probable,” it means that there is a more than 50% chance of a terror attack taking place or being planned in Australia in the next twelve months, Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) Police Force says on its website.
On a page which sets out the National Terrorism Threat Level, Australia’s National Security agency says that the country’s security landscape “has entered a vulnerable period and is being challenged by new threats with concerning trajectories.”
In a section about what a possible terrorist attack might look like in the country, National Security says that “attacks in Australia are likely to be low-cost, using readily available weapons, and simple tactics.”
The “most likely” location for such a terrorist attack is a “crowded place, in a major city,” it continues. This is also “most likely to be conducted by an individual (known as a lone actor) or a small group,” it adds.
Netanyahu says Australia poured “oil on the flames of antisemitism” through inaction
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he believes the Australian government poured oil on the flames of antisemitism through its silence on anti-Jewish sentiment in the country.
“A few months ago, I wrote a letter to the Prime Minister of Australia. I said that their policy was pouring oil on the flames of antisemitism and encouraging the hatred of Jews that is raging in the streets of Australia,” Netanyahu said ahead of his weekly cabinet meeting.
“Antisemitism is a cancer that spreads when leaders remain silent, and they must replace weakness with strength in facing it.”
“That did not happen in Australia - and today, something terrible occurred there. A cold-blooded murder,” Netanyahu added.
Some context: Speaking earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation” and said that “an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.”
One Israeli killed and another injured in attack
Among those killed in the attack on a Hanukkah event in Sydney’s Bondi Beach was one Israeli citizen, according to the Israeli foreign ministry.
Another Israeli was wounded and is receiving treatment at a local hospital in Sydney, the foreign ministry said.
US Secretary of State offers condolences after "horrific" Bondi Beach attack
US’ Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said in a post on X that he “strongly condemns” Sunday’s fatal attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.
The US Embassy in Australia, based in Canberra, also posted to X about the terror attack, writing that it was “heartbroken” by the news and offering its “sincerest condolences to the families of the victims of this senseless act that targeted the Jewish community on the first night of Hanukkah.”
The embassy urged Australia-based US citizens to avoid the immediate Bondi Beach area, follow guidance from local authorities and inform loved ones of their status.
Israeli FM says Australia must take “action against antisemitism”
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Australia “must take significant action” after “a sharp rise in antisemitism,” a statement by the Israeli Foreign Ministry said.
Speaking to his Australian counterpart Penny Wong, Saar expressed “sorrow and pain, on behalf of the people of Israel, over the murderous antisemitic attack in Sydney.”
He told the Australian foreign minister that there had been an increase in antisemitism in the country since October 7, citing examples of chants against the Israeli military, the burning of Israeli flags during marches marked by “overt expressions of hatred.”
Saar said “security” for the Jewish community in Australia “can only be achieved through a true change in public atmosphere.”
Australia, which has seen large-scale protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza, formally recognized the State of Palestine in September alongside several other Western nations, drawing criticism from the Israeli government.
Saar described slogans like “Globalize the Intifada,” “From the River to the Sea,” and calls for violence against the Israel Defense Forces as “illegitimate” and “not part of free speech,” and warned that they “ultimately lead to the kind of violence witnessed today,” linking them directly to the Bondi Beach attack.
Saar earlier wrote on X that the Australian government “must come to its senses.”
Twelve-year-old girl and rabbi among victims of shooting, Jewish community figure says
A 12-year-old girl and a rabbi are among the victims of the fatal shooting in Sydney, Alexander Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, told CNN’s Victor Blackwell a short while ago.
“I know everyone who was there (at the Hanukkah celebration). That’s an event where I attend with my family every single year,” Ryvchin said, adding that he was scheduled to speak at the event as he has done for the last decade, but had to drop out last minute due to scheduling conflicts.
A rabbi who was at the event, who Ryvchin described as “one of the kindest and most beautiful human beings I’ve ever known,” is among the dead, he said.
Another of Ryvchin’s friends “lost his 12-year-old daughter, who succumbed to her wounds in hospital,” he said.
“We’re a very close knit community, and this event is kind of the gem of our year. It’s something we look forward to every year,” he told CNN, adding that it is usually a “joyous day.”
Footage shows moment "heroic" bystander tackles gunman during Bondi Beach shooting
Warning: Graphic content
We can now bring you some of the video we mentioned earlier, which shows a bystander tackling and wrestling a firearm from one of the gunmen in the Bondi Beach mass shooting on Sunday.
The bystander was praised as a “genuine hero” by New South Wales State Premier Chris Minns. In the full version of the video (which we are not showing here), after being disarmed by the bystander, the shooter seems to reposition himself on a bridge, rearm and start firing again.
Police forces step up presence at Hanukkah events around the world
Police around the world are stepping up their presence at public Hanukkah events in the wake of Sunday’s deadly terror attack in Sydney, which police said targeted the Jewish community.
In New York, the NYPD said it was deploying additional resources to public Hanukkah celebrations and synagogues “out of an abundance of caution.”
London’s Metropolitan Police said that while there was no information suggesting a link between the attack in Sydney and the threat level in London, the force would step up its police presence, carry out additional patrols and engage with the Jewish community in the wake of the tragedy.
Police in Berlin said they would deploy increased forces and intensify their security measures ahead of a Hanukkah event in the German capital this evening, in light of the attack.
What we know so far about the Bondi Beach shooting
A fatal shooting incident took place at Australia’s popular Bondi Beach on Sunday, in an attack that police said targeted the country’s Jewish community.
If you’re just joining us, here’s what we’ve been reporting so far:
At least 11 dead: At least 11 people were killed in the attack, with another 29 injured, police said at a press conference earlier. No details have yet been given about the victims of the shooting.
One person in custody: Of the two suspected attackers, one is in custody in critical condition and the other was shot dead at the scene, according to police. Authorities have so far not provided any details about the identities of these suspects.
Jewish community targeted: More than 1,000 people were attending a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach when the shooting occurred, police said, adding that the attack was “designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community.”
Police declare terror incident: The fact the shooting took place on the first day of Hanukkah, as well other circumstances including the types of weapons at the scene and the offenders, led a terrorist incident to be declared a few hours after the attack, police said.
Australian PM addresses Jewish community: Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shared a message with the Jewish community earlier, telling them: “Your fellow Australians stand with you tonight in condemning this act of terror.” The country will never submit to “division, violence or hatred,” he added.
Israeli leaders react with horror: A number of Israeli officials reacted angrily to the shooting, with many accusing the Australian government of allowing a surge in antisemitism.
Jewish council “horrified and shaken”: Additionally, the Jewish Council of Australia called the attack a “horrific act of antisemitic violence during the Jewish festival of light and hope.” In a statement, it said that “many within our community have just received the worst news of their lives,” adding: “In moments like this, we hold each other close.”
CNN’s Tal Shalev, Tamar Michaelis, Sophie Tanno, Hilary Whiteman and Mostafa Salem contributed to this reporting.
Bondi Beach shooting was "entirely foreseeable" tragedy, Australian Jewish Association CEO says
The CEO of the Australian Jewish Association has described the fatal shooting at Bondi Beach as an “entirely foreseeable” tragedy, saying that Australian Prime Minster Anthony Albanese’s government had been warned many times about rising antisemitism.
“What happened tonight is a tragedy but entirely foreseeable.
The Albanese government was warned so many times but failed to take adequate actions to protect the Jewish community,” Robert Gregory said.
He added that many members of the Jewish community are now pondering whether they have a future in Australia, in the wake of the deadly attack.
Police have removed improvised explosive devices from suspect's vehicle
Earlier, police said they had located a vehicle linked to the deceased gunman which they believed contained “several improvised explosive devices,” at the scene in Bondi Beach.
The IED’s have now been removed from the vehicle, a police official said.
The crime scene is no longer an exclusion area, the official added.
The force’s rescue bomb disposal unit had been working at the scene on Campbell Parade, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said at a news conference earlier.
In pictures: Responders at scene of Bondi Beach shooting as night falls
It is approaching midnight local time in Sydney, Australia, where at least 11 people were killed in a shooting at the city’s Bondi Beach earlier today.
The scene of the attack has been cordoned off by authorities. Police vehicles are parked near the cordons, with members of the public being ushered away from the area.
Here are some images from the scene:
Mass shootings in Australia are rare
Australia is unaccustomed to mass shootings. Strict gun laws were introduced in 1996 after a shocking attack at Port Arthur, when 35 people were killed by a lone gunman.
Buying a gun requires extensive checks, and though gun crimes occur, they are usually targeted and limited in scope.
According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, 31 homicides by firearm were recorded in Australia from 2023–24, the most recent figures.
Mass attacks are also uncommon. One of the most recent also took place in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, when a man armed with a knife killed six people in Westfield shopping center at Bondi Junction in April 2024. The perpetrator, who was shot at the scene, had a history of mental health issues.
International leaders offer condolences after Bondi Beach shooting
Leaders around the world are beginning to respond to today’s deadly shooting at Australia’s Bondi Beach, expressing their shock and sending condolences to the families of victims.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that his country and Australia are “family,” writing on a post on X that he is “shocked by the distressing scenes at Bondi” and offering his thoughts to those affected by the attack.
The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the news of the shooting “deeply distressing,” writing on X that his country “sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack.”
French President Emmanuel Macron posted to X that “an antisemitic terrorist attack struck families gathered to celebrate Hanukkah,” following the police’s confirmation that the attack targeted Sydney’s Jewish community. France “will continue to fight relentlessly against antisemitic hatred, which hurts us all, wherever it strikes,’ he said, offering his thoughts to the victims of the attack.
Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, posted that Europe “stands with Australia and Jewish communities everywhere” following the attack. “We are united against violence, antisemitism and hatred,” she wrote.
Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin wrote on X that he was “shocked and appalled” by the shooting, adding that “such hate and violence can never be tolerated.” Martin offered prayers “to the families and friends of those lost, the injured, first responders, and people of Australia at this distressing time.”
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said the attack marked a “dark day for Australia,” posting to X that he had offered Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese his support and calling the shooting a “cowardly act.”
Leaders from countries including Germany, Italy, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Estonia and Lithuania also sent their condolences.
Jewish Council of Australia “horrified and shaken” by shooting
The Jewish Council of Australia said the attack targeting the Jewish community celebrating the first night of Hanukkah at Sydney’s Bondi Beach has left them “horrified and shaken.”
“Many within our community have just received the worst news of their lives,” the group said in a statement. “Others are caring for injured loved ones, and some are still waiting to hear that their families are safe.”
The statement continued: “To be confronted with this horrific act of antisemitic violence during the Jewish festival of light and hope is shattering. In moments like this, we hold each other close.”
At least 11 people have been killed in the shooting on Sunday night, which targeted the Jewish community, authorities have said. The attack has been declared a terrorist incident.
Israeli leaders react with horror and anger to Sydney attack
We’ve heard from Israeli officials, who have reacted with horror and anger to the attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, with several accusing the Australian government of allowing a surge in antisemitism.
President Isaac Herzog interrupted a public meeting to say that “at this very hour our brothers and sisters in Sydney, Australia, are under a terror attack during the lighting of the Hanukkah candle at a Chabad event on Bondi Beach.”
He said they were “attacked by vile terrorists.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said he was horrified, and condemned the Australian government.
Minister of the Diaspora Amichai Chikli called the attack “the most severe and devastating terrorist attack ever carried out against the Jewish community in the country.
As we reported earlier, when asked by a journalist how the Australian government is responding to reports of rising antisemitism in the country since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Yes we have taken it seriously, and we’ve continued to act.”
Hundreds were gathered to celebrate Hanukkah as attack unfolded
More than 1,000 people had gathered to celebrate Hanukkah at Sydney’s popular Bondi beach when the shooting attack unfolded, authorities said.
An Australian-Jewish community center, Chabad of Bondi, had organized an event for the holiday called “Chanukah by the Sea” and said it would be the “perfect family event to celebrate light, warmth, and community.”
The event was advertised to have “live entertainment, music, games and fun” for all ages.
“Bring your friends, bring the family, let’s fill Bondi with Joy and Light!” the poster for the event said.
Jews will celebrate the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday. More than 1,000 people were gathered to mark the event at the beach, the New South Wales Police said in a news conference.
The attackers opened fire on families celebrating the holiday at Archer Park near Bondi beach, the police said.
Following the attack, the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies advised people to “stay home or remain in shelter” and closed all events and communal institutions.
Your "fellow Australians stand with you," Australian PM tells Jewish community
In a message to Australia’s Jewish community, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said “your fellow Australians stand with you tonight in condemning this act of terror.”
“It is aimed at creating fear, but we will stand with the Jewish community and Jewish Australians at this time,” he said as he delivered a speech on Sunday evening.
Albanese urged Australians to hold onto the “true character” of Australia, saying the country would never submit to “division, violence or hatred.”
“I say tonight that there are nights that tear at our nation’s soul. In this moment of darkness, we must be each other’s light.”
Asked by a journalist how the Australian government is responding to reports of rising antisemitism in the country since October 7, 2023, Albanese said; “Yes we have taken it seriously, and we’ve continued to act.”
