Two gunmen opened fire at a Jewish event in Bondi Beach, Australia, on Sunday, the first day of Hanukkah, killing at least 11 people and also resulting in the death of one gunman.
Reports of gunfire came in around 6:47 p.m. Australian Eastern Daylight Time at the Chabad of Bondi’s annual “Chanukah by the Sea” event on the public beach near a children’s playground. The event included the lighting of a grand menorah to mark the start of the eight-day Jewish holiday.
New South Wales Police officers responded to the gunfire, and at least two officers were injured during the incident. Another 27 people were hospitalized, plus one gunman who is in critical condition.
Police reportedly found “a number of suspicious items located in the vicinity” that were later revealed to be improvised explosive devices. While police are urging the public to avoid the area, “there have been NO reports of any other incidents in Sydney connected to this incident,” according to the New South Wales police department.
One bystander was captured on video disarming one of the gunmen. The bystander tackled the gunman from behind as he was aiming to fire. As he fell down, he dropped his weapon, which appeared to be a rifle, and the bystander grabbed the gun and aimed it at the gunman.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese referred to the mass shooting as a “terrorist incident” and a “targeted attack against Jewish Australians.”
In Australia, residents aspiring to become gun owners must provide a reason before registering a firearm. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said in a press conference that officers are unaware of how the gunman acquired the weapons or where they came from.