At least 12 people were killed after gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.
Gatekeepers News reports that the attack happened while a large crowd had gathered to mark the Jewish festival of lights.
Police commissioner Mal Lanyon said more than 1,000 people were present at the beach when the shooting occurred and described the incident as a “terrorist incident”.
He confirmed that 29 people were taken to hospital, including a child and two police officers who were in “serious, verging on critical” condition and undergoing surgery.
One of the attackers died at the scene, while the second suspected gunman was said to be in critical condition.
Lanyon added that investigators were checking whether a third gunman was involved, while two suspects were already in police custody. Police also recovered “several improvised explosive devices” linked to the deceased attacker.
New South Wales premier Chris Minns condemned the assault, saying it was “designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community”.
He later announced that security had been increased around Jewish centres and public places across the state as a precaution.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also denounced the attack, calling it a “vile act of violence and hate”.
He said, “An act of evil antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation”, stressing that such violence had no place in Australia.
Authorities said a full investigation was underway, with counter-terrorism units leading the probe.
