‘Shocking’: At least 12 killed in mass shooting at Australia’s Bondi Beach | Gun Violence News

At least 12 people have been killed in a gun attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that targeted Australia’s Jewish community, the New South Wales Police Force says at a news conference.

A total of 29 people have been taken to hospital, including two police officers, after Sunday’s shooting, Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said in Sydney.

The state police force had said earlier that one of the suspected shooters was killed and a second alleged shooter is in a critical condition.

A number of suspicious items located in the vicinity were being examined, police said.

In a statement, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the scenes in Bondi “shocking and distressing”.

“Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected,” he said.

Albanese said he had spoken to the federal police commissioner and the New South Wales premier on the situation and was in touch with them for further information.

Footage aired by Al Jazeera showed a bystander tackling one of the suspects and snatching his gun. The suspect then walks away.

In the same video, another armed man is seen on a bridge, about 50 to 100 metres (160ft to 330ft) away, shooting towards the bystander.

Camilo Diaz, a 25-year-old student from Chile, recounted hearing a long series of gunshots as the attack unfolded.

“It was shocking. It felt like 10 minutes of just bang, bang, bang,” he told the AFP news agency at the scene, adding: “It seemed like a powerful weapon.”

Hanukkah event said to be target

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that a Chanukah by the Sea event had begun at a playground near the northern end of the beach when the attack occurred.

The broadcaster spoke to a witness who described seeing two black-clad armed men standing on a bridge, shooting at crowds who had gathered for the event.

Meanwhile, speaking at an event in Jerusalem, Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the “cruel” shooting, which he said targeted Hanukkah celebrations.

“Our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Hanukkah,” Herzog said at an event at his residence.

“We repeat our alerts time and again to the Australian government to seek action and fight against the enormous wave of anti-Semitism which is plaguing Australian society,” he said.

An Australian Islamic organisation condemned the Bondi Beach shooting as a “horrific” act of violence.

“Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by this deeply traumatic attack,” the Australian National Imams Council said in a statement.

“This is a moment for all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, to stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity,” it added.

Australian opposition leader Sussan Ley also expressed her grief, condemning what she called “hateful violence” that had struck “as our Jewish community came together”.

“This was a celebration of peace and hope for the future, severed by hate,” she said.

“Those who ran towards the danger, everyday Australians, our police and paramedics are heroes.”

A nation stunned

Reporting from Sydney, journalist Danielle Robertson said the attack has sent shockwaves across Australia.

Gun violence in crowded public spaces is extremely rare in Australia, particularly in an area like Bondi Beach, which is heavily policed, she said.

After the Port Arthur massacre in 1996 in Tasmania, Australia introduced strict national gun laws and since then has largely avoided mass public shootings.

Robertson said police officers were lining the streets around Bondi Beach and officers were patrolling on foot, urging people to leave, stay clear and return home.