Nine Killed as Gunmen Open Fire at Australia’s Bondi Beach

At least nine people were killed and several others injured after two suspected gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, sending terrified beachgoers running for safety.

The attack happened in the evening at the popular beach, which is one of Australia’s biggest tourist attractions and is often crowded with locals and visitors, especially on weekends. New South Wales police said emergency services received reports of multiple gunshots at about 6:45 pm local time.

Police confirmed that one of the suspected attackers was shot dead, while the second suspect was arrested and is currently in critical condition. Eleven injured people were rushed to different hospitals across Sydney for treatment.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as repeated gunshots echoed across the beach. Camilo Diaz, a 25-year-old student, told AFP that the shooting lasted several minutes and sounded like it involved a powerful weapon. Other witnesses said they saw bodies lying on the sand and injured people crying out for help.

A British tourist, Timothy Brant-Coles, said he saw two gunmen dressed in black and claimed they were carrying semi-automatic rifles. Another witness, Harry Wilson, told local media that there were “at least 10 people on the ground” with “blood everywhere.”

Photos and video footage from the scene showed paramedics attending to victims on the grassy areas overlooking the beach, while personal belongings such as bags and a child’s stroller were left behind by people who fled in panic. A weapon believed to be a pump-action shotgun was also seen near a tree close to the beach.

Police said several suspicious items were found in the area and are being examined by specialist officers. An exclusion zone was immediately set up as security forces worked to secure the location and investigate the motive behind the attack.

The shooting occurred on a day an event known as “Chanukah by the Sea,” marking the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, was scheduled to take place at the beach. While Australian authorities have not confirmed any link to the event, Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the incident as a “cruel attack on Jews” and called on Australia to strengthen efforts against antisemitism.

Bondi Beach, located in eastern Sydney, is widely known around the world and is a major symbol of Australia’s beach culture. The incident has shocked residents and visitors alike, coming from a country known for its strict gun control laws.

Australian police have urged the public to stay away from the area while investigations continue.