Officials Declare Terror Incident; Police Investigate Possible Third Offender As Jewish Community Targeted During Holiday Celebration
Sunday, December 14, 2025, 8:00 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor: Englebrook Independent News,
SYDNEY, AU.- A mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Jewish community Hanukkah gathering left at least 12 people dead, including one suspected gunman, and 29 others hospitalized, Australian authorities said late Sunday, as investigators declared the violence a terrorist incident and pursued leads suggesting a possible third offender.
New South Wales Police Respond To Gunfire At Around 6:50 P.M:
New South Wales Police said emergency services were called to Campbell Parade at approximately 6:50 p.m. local time after reports of gunfire near Bondi Beach’s Archer Park, where families and community members had gathered for an event known as “Chanukah by the Sea,” celebrating the start of the Hanukkah holiday.
Authorities confirmed two attackers were directly involved in the shooting. One suspect was fatally shot, while a second suspect was taken into custody and remains in critical condition. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said investigators are examining evidence that suggests the possible involvement of a third individual, including the discovery of suspicious items and suspected improvised explosive device components associated with a nearby vehicle.
In multiple public safety alerts issued throughout the evening, NSW Police instructed the public to take shelter, avoid the Bondi Beach area, and comply with all law enforcement directives. Police later confirmed that no active shooters remained as tactical operations concluded and the scene was secured.
NSW Premier Chris Minns condemned the attack as a deliberate assault on families and faith, stating that the gunfire erupted at approximately 6:47 p.m. as families gathered by the shoreline.
“Our heart bleeds for Australia’s Jewish community tonight,” Minns said. “This was a cowardly and targeted act of violence against people celebrating an ancient and peaceful tradition.”
Commissioner Lanyon confirmed the incident met the legal and operational threshold for a terrorist attack, citing the nature of the target, the timing, and the coordinated actions of the perpetrators. He further stated that special counterterrorism powers had been activated to ensure no additional threats remained.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement describing the attack as “shocking and distressing,” offering condolences to the victims and their families while praising first responders for their rapid and courageous response. Albanese confirmed he had been briefed by federal and state security officials and convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee of Cabinet on Sunday evening.
Authorities cautioned that casualty figures may continue to change as critically injured victims remain hospitalized. Law enforcement officials described the death toll as fluid, reflecting the severity of injuries sustained during the attack.
Gunfire Lasted For Several Minutes:
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as gunfire rang out across one of Australia’s most iconic public spaces. Some reported hearing sustained bursts of shots over a span of several minutes, while families fled the beach and nearby streets seeking cover.
Police continue to appeal for witnesses and are urging anyone with mobile phone recordings, surveillance footage, or dashcam video from the area to contact authorities. A large exclusion zone remains in place as forensic teams continue to examine the scene.
Editor’s Note:
Englebrook Independent News confirms this report is based on verified statements from New South Wales Police, the Office of the Prime Minister of Australia, and contemporaneous reporting from primary international wire services. As of late Sunday evening, authorities confirmed 29 people were transported to hospitals and between 11 and 12 fatalities, including one suspected attacker. Earlier official statements reflected lower figures as emergency response efforts were still underway. Further updates, including victim identification and confirmation of any additional suspects, will be reported as authorities release verified information.
