A child is among 16 dead following a deadly terror attack targeting Jewish Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach. The two gunmen have been identified as a father and son. One is dead, the other is in hospital under armed guard.
Key Takeaways
- Sixteen people, including one child, were killed in the shooting. The incident has been declared a terrorist attack by NSW Police.
- A 10-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man are among the latest victims added to the death toll overnight.
- During the incident one shooter – a 50-year-old man – was shot by police and died at the scene.
- The other shooter – a 24-year-old man – suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.
- At this time, a further 40 people are reported to be injured, two of which are police officers.
- Emergency services were called to Campbell Parade about 6.45pm (Sunday 14 December 2025), responding to reports of shots being fired.
- A number of suspicious items located in the vicinity are being examined by specialist officers and an exclusion zone is in place.
What happened?
Hundreds of beachgoers could be seen fleeing the area, diners in nearby restaurants were filmed dropping to the ground, hiding under tables, as dozens of gunshots rang out down the south end of the beach.
Footage posted online showed two men, one holding what appears to be a shotgun, opening fire. A separate video showed multiple people lying on the ground injured as paramedics work on them.
In incredible footage, a heroic bystander can be seen approaching one gunman from behind, tackling him to the ground and wrestling the weapon away and turning it on the shooter, but refrained from firing. He can then be seen lowering the weapon and gesturing for help as more gunshots rang out.
“We have seen Australians today run towards danger in order to help others,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. “These Australians are heroes, and their bravery has saved lives. As Prime Minister, I say on behalf of all Australians to the Jewish community, we stand with you.”
NSW State Opposition leader Kellie Sloane was at Bondi Beach as the shooting unfolded.
“It was carnage, it was devastating… I can’t believe this has happened,” she told 7News’ Chris Reason. “I’m in a lot of shock, and I’m angry.”
“There were people we just couldn’t save, there were people already dead.”
NSW State Opposition leader Kellie Sloane
“We all just tried to help, there were people desperately trying to save lives, there were people trying to get compression bandages in.
“There are people here tonight that are never going to feel safe again.”
Dozens of police and additional emergency services rushed to the scene, including multiple helicopters and special operation units.
“Anyone at the scene should take shelter. Police are on scene and more information will be provided when it comes to hand,” NSW Police said following the incident.
“We are still asking people in the area to take shelter until we can determine what is happening.”
Anthony Albanese responds
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Committee on Sunday night following what he confirmed was a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach during the Chanukah by the Sea celebration. Flanked by senior leaders from the AFP and ASIO, Albanese said the attack was targeted at Jewish Australians on the first day of Chanukah and described it as “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism”.
“This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Chanukah,” Albanese said. “An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.” He said there was “no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation” and told the Jewish community, “we stand with you”.
Acting AFP Deputy Commissioner Nigel Ryan confirmed the incident had been formally declared a terrorist incident, enabling the use of specialist counterterrorism powers by the AFP, ASIO and NSW Police. He said all available resources would be directed toward the investigation.
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said the national terrorism threat level remains at probable, meaning there is a 50 per cent chance of an act of terror. “We have no indications to that fact” of further imminent attacks, he said, but confirmed ASIO is examining whether anyone else may have similar intent. Authorities said investigations remain ongoing.
