On Sunday evening, December 14, at around 6:40 p.m. local time, a mass shooting at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach left at least 12 people dead and 16 hospitalized, according to New South Wales Premier Chris Minns.
One of the gunmen was among the fatalities, and the second suspect is in custody, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has classified the incident as a terrorist event.
The New South Wales Ambulance Service said 16 victims were taken to hospital, with others treated on site. A second armed suspect was among those hospitalized, and at least two police officers sustained injuries in the chaos.
Local broadcaster Nine Network indicated that as many as 20 people may have been shot. Authorities have declared the area safe but continue to urge the public to avoid the vicinity as investigations and a police raid on the home of one suspect, identified as Naveed Akram from Bonnyrigg, remain underway.
Earlier in the evening, many members of the Jewish community had gathered at Bondi Beach to celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. A related event in Melbourne was canceled, and local Jewish communities have been placed on high alert following the attack.
Officials issued a public safety warning shortly after 7 p.m., advising residents and visitors to seek shelter and steer clear of the shoreline. Video footage and photographs from the scene captured crowds fleeing and firearms left on the sand.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the images from Bondi Beach as shocking, and Premier Minns called the loss of life deeply distressing. Investigations are ongoing, and officials have warned the casualty figures could change as more information becomes available.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves across Australia and the world, highlighting renewed concerns over public safety, terrorism, and the need for community solidarity in moments of crisis.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
