A deadly shooting attack involving bondi beach shooters erupted Sunday evening at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah gathering, leaving multiple people dead and many others injured, according to confirmed official updates released today. Authorities have declared the incident a terrorist attack, arrested one suspected gunman, and said another alleged attacker was killed at the scene as emergency crews rushed victims to hospitals.
What happened at Bondi Beach
The shooting unfolded near Bondi Beach’s busy public areas around Campbell Parade on Sunday evening, Dec. 14, 2025, as families and community members gathered for a Hanukkah event that included a menorah-lighting. The area was crowded with locals and visitors enjoying a warm summer night when gunfire broke out, triggering panic and a rapid police response.
Authorities said the attack lasted only minutes but caused widespread chaos as people ran for cover, took shelter in nearby buildings, and tried to escape the immediate area. Police moved quickly to establish a cordon, clear the scene, and begin triage for victims.
Confirmed fatalities and injuries
Officials have confirmed 12 deaths, including one alleged attacker. Nearly 30 people were hospitalized with injuries. Among the injured were two police officers who responded during the emergency. Authorities also confirmed that a child was among those taken to the hospital.
Because the situation developed rapidly, early public figures changed as police and hospitals verified conditions and notified families. The latest official totals provided today remain the figures above.
Suspects and custody status
Authorities said two alleged gunmen were involved. One suspect was shot and killed at the scene during the response. A second suspect was taken into custody and, according to confirmed updates, was in critical condition while under police guard and medical care.
Investigators said the search and verification process continued through the night and into today, including work to determine whether anyone else directly participated. Officials indicated they were examining information about a potential additional offender, while emphasizing that the immediate active threat had ended.
Police described reports of multiple shots fired into a crowd near the gathering area. Video from the scene showed frantic movement, people fleeing, and moments of intense confrontation during the response.
One widely shared clip showed a bystander intervening to confront and disarm one of the attackers during the chaos. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant footage or first-hand information to provide it to investigators as they reconstruct a precise timeline.
Terrorism declaration and alleged motive
Authorities formally classified the incident as a terrorist attack. Officials said the shooting appeared to target the Jewish community gathering for Hanukkah, based on the setting and the timing during a religious celebration attended by families.
Leaders condemned the attack as antisemitic violence and urged unity against hate. The terrorism designation also means specialized investigative resources have been activated, including counterterrorism and intelligence support to determine planning, networks, and any related threats.
Reports of suspicious devices
During the investigation, authorities confirmed the discovery of suspicious devices connected to the scene and suspects, including improvised explosive devices. Specialist teams were deployed to assess and secure these items as part of the wider public-safety operation.
Officials have not released every technical detail publicly, citing operational and investigative reasons, but confirmed that the discovery influenced the scale and caution of the response, including expanded exclusion zones and extended sweeps.
Massive emergency response and public warnings
The emergency response involved heavily armed police, medical teams, and air support. Authorities urged the public to avoid Bondi Beach and nearby streets while the scene was secured and searched. Transport and traffic around the area were disrupted as investigators worked.
Officials later said there was no longer an active shooter threat, but they continued to warn residents and visitors to stay away from restricted areas while forensic teams processed evidence.
What’s known about the event targeted
The Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach was promoted as a family-friendly community event and included a public menorah-lighting. Officials said large numbers of people attended, including families with children.
The attack occurring at a public religious celebration has heightened concern and grief across Australia’s Jewish communities and among the broader public. Community leaders have emphasized support for victims’ families and for those traumatized by the violence.
Government and community reaction
Australia’s national leadership condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community. New South Wales leadership also issued statements of grief and support, calling the violence horrifying and emphasizing that hate-driven attacks have no place in public life.
Officials highlighted that the investigation was ongoing and that additional verified details would be released as soon as authorities could confirm them without compromising the case.
Why this resonates with U.S. readers
For American audiences, the attack stands out for three reasons: the location, the target, and the rarity of mass shootings of this scale in Australia. Bondi Beach is an internationally recognized destination. The reported targeting of a religious holiday gathering echoes concerns seen globally about violence directed at communities based on identity or faith. And Australia’s strict gun laws make mass shooting incidents uncommon compared with the U.S., increasing the shock felt nationwide and internationally.
At the same time, officials have cautioned against speculation, urging the public to rely on confirmed updates as investigators establish exactly how the attackers acquired weapons, how the incident was planned, and whether any accomplices were involved.
What happens next in the investigation
Authorities are now focused on several concrete steps:
Identifying all victims and notifying next of kin, where not already completed.
Conducting forensic analysis of the scene, including ballistics and recovered items.
Reviewing video, witness statements, and digital evidence to establish a minute-by-minute timeline.
Determining whether the suspects acted alone or with support, and assessing any continuing risk.
Evaluating security needs for community events and public spaces in the immediate aftermath.
Officials have indicated that the investigation will involve continuing updates as more facts are verified and cleared for public release.
Public safety guidance and community support
Authorities have urged anyone who was in the area during the incident to follow official instructions regarding restricted zones and to cooperate with investigators. They also encouraged witnesses to come forward, especially those with recordings from phones, vehicles, or nearby businesses.
For community members affected by the violence, leaders have emphasized the importance of seeking support and checking on friends, neighbors, and family members who may be struggling after witnessing or experiencing the attack.
As confirmed today, the bondi beach shooters attack remains under active investigation, and authorities say they will release additional verified updates as soon as they are cleared for public release.
If you have thoughts on how communities can stay safe while keeping public events open and welcoming, share your perspective in the comments and check back for verified updates.