Mass Shooting at Bondi Beach Hanukkah Celebration Kills 11

A terror attack targeting Australia's Jewish community at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday evening resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people. The mass shooting occurred during a Hanukkah celebration held at Archer Park.

Around 1,000 people had gathered on the grassy area when at least two gunmen began firing at 6:47 p.m. local time. The attack sent the crowd of celebrants fleeing in panic.

Police confirmed that one suspect was killed at the scene. A second suspect was injured and taken into custody. Authorities are investigating the possibility that a third suspect was involved, but they cautioned against speculation while the investigation is ongoing.

The Bondi Beach shooting represents Australia's deadliest mass shooting in nearly 30 years, prompting renewed focus on the nation's strict gun control laws.

**What We Know So Far:**

• Multiple Fatalities:** At least 11 people died after the gunmen opened fire approximately two hours after the Hanukkah event was scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. local time. Alexander Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, told CNN that a 12-year-old girl and a rabbi were among those killed.
• Celebration Turned to Tragedy:** The Hanukkah event was advertised as a family-friendly celebration with “live entertainment, music, games and fun.” Witnesses described families gathered on the grass, swimmers in the ocean, and people dancing and playing drums before the shooting began.
• Emergency Response:** New South Wales Police reported that emergency services were dispatched to Campbell Parade, which runs alongside Bondi Beach, just before 7 p.m. local time, following reports of the shooting. Hundreds of people, including residents and tourists, fled the area to escape the gunfire, with many abandoning their belongings in the chaos.