In a dreadful “terrorist incident” 12 people have been killed and 29 others taken to hospital –  including at least one child, after gunmen opened fire on a 1000 strong crowd celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, on Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach.

Two shooters attacked the innocent group at around 6pm local time, seemingly targetting the city’s Jewish community. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has confirmed that among the injured are two police officers who he said were in “serious, verging on critical” condition and had both been rushed into surgery. 

It has emerged that one of the “offenders” has been killed in an exchange of fire with police and the other apprehended and taken into custody, although he too is believed to be in a critical condition. There remains some confusion as to whether there was a third gunman.

A digital flyer for the event, named Chanuka by the Sea 2025, shows it was scheduled to take place on a grassy area behind the beach’s children’s playground from 17:00 local time. It was set to feature live entertainment and activities “for all ages”. 

Nearby is a footbridge which crosses from the car park on what is known as Campbell Parade, down towards the beach itself and it is understood it was there that the shooters used as a vantage point.

Additionally, police established an exclusion zone bringing in specialised equipment to clear IEDs, but reports now suggest these devices have been secured, and are in the process of being removed.

An extraordinary video has emerged on social media which appears to show a man tackling one of the gunmen, taking away his gun and forcing him to retreat. The shooter does not notice the member of the public approach from behind and suddenly they begin to grapple, before the weapon is wrestled free from the attacker who falls to the ground before making his escape. The heroic man then puts the gun down and raises his hands – appearing to show police he is not one of the shooters.

Global leaders have quickly reacted with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying the UK “will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community”. French President Emmanuel Macron said:”We share the pain of the Australian people and will continue to fight relentlessly against antisemitic hatred, which hurts us all, wherever it strikes.”