As a result of the shooting at Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most popular tourist destinations, 16 people were killed. Australian police said one of the gunmen was also killed. Around 20 people were hospitalized, including two police officers.
Visitors to Bondi Beach flee the shoreline in panic after attackers opened fire during Hanukkah celebrations.
A surf surveillance camera in Australia captured beachgoers fleeing Bondi Beach in panic as gunfire erupted.
According to New South Wales police, armed individuals opened fire on the northern end of the beach on Sunday and were subsequently “neutralized.” The area was evacuated.
At the time of the shooting, an event marking the first night of Hanukkah—the Jewish festival of lights—was taking place on the beach. A Financial Times source, who asked to remain anonymous, said her friend sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder during the event, and that the names of the injured, including a child, were already circulating within the Jewish community.
Two other witnesses told ABC that at first they mistook the gunshots for fireworks or firecrackers. According to one of them, Finn, the shooter opened fire from a white car. Finn said he saw an elderly woman who had been killed. Another witness, Heather Nolan, said she was having dinner nearby with her husband and children. Together with her family, she hid behind a bench in a changing room. One of the wounded later approached them—according to the woman, he was covered in blood.
It appears there were two attackers—although police later said they were examining a version involving three shooters. One of them was killed, the other detained, police said. According to updated information, the detained suspect is in critical condition. Videos circulated on social media appear to show a bystander disarming one of the attackers. Whether that shooter was later killed or detained remains unknown.
Police and emergency services respond at the scene of a mass shooting at Bondi Beach. December 14, 2025.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said: “The scenes at Bondi are shocking and deeply distressing. Police and emergency services are on the scene and working to save lives.” Allegra Spender, the local member of parliament, described the incident as “horrifying” and urged people to follow police instructions and stay away from the beach.