At least 12 people were killed and 29 others injured in a deadly shooting attack targeting the Jewish community during a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, Australian authorities confirmed on Sunday. The incident has been officially declared a terrorist attack, triggering a massive security and emergency response across New South Wales.

Police said two gunmen opened fire on crowds gathered for the Jewish holiday celebration, which included families, children, music and cultural activities. One of the attackers was shot dead by police at the scene, while the second suspect was critically wounded and taken into custody. Among the deceased is a British-born rabbi, according to community sources, deepening shock and grief within Australia’s Jewish population and abroad.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the attack was deliberately aimed at Sydney’s Jewish community and met the criteria for a terrorist incident based on the nature of the target and the weapons used. “This attack was designed to target a specific community,” he said, adding that two police officers were also among those injured while responding to the incident.

Authorities confirmed that specialist units were examining “a number of suspicious items” found near the scene, including an improvised explosive device (IED) discovered inside a vehicle linked to one of the suspects. Police said their counterterrorism operation remains ongoing, though there is no immediate active threat to the wider public. Residents and visitors were advised to avoid the Bondi Beach area as investigations continue.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns condemned the shooting as an act of terror and antisemitic violence. “This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” Minns said, stressing that such hatred has no place in Australian society. He praised the swift response of emergency services and acknowledged the courage of bystanders, including one individual who reportedly tackled an armed attacker during the chaos.

The attack occurred on the first day of Hanukkah, a festival symbolising light, faith and resilience, amplifying the emotional impact across Australia and internationally. World leaders, including the UK Prime Minister, European Commission President, UN Secretary-General and leaders from New Zealand, Italy and Serbia, have condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with Australia and Jewish communities worldwide.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened an emergency national security meeting, calling the incident a “devastating act of antisemitic terrorism.” “An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian,” he said, vowing that those responsible would be held fully accountable.

As investigations continue, community leaders have called for unity and vigilance, while security has been stepped up around Jewish institutions nationwide. The Bondi Beach attack marks one of the deadliest acts of terror in Australia in recent years, renewing global concerns over rising antisemitism and targeted extremist violence.