At Least 10 People Killed and 20 Injured in Shooting at Bondi Beach
At least 10 people were killed and around 20 injured on Sunday during a shooting at Bondi Beach, where hundreds of people were attending Hanukkah celebrations, announced the New South Wales police. Two police officers are among the injured, with some suffering serious wounds. According to Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, the incident has been classified as a terrorist attack. One of the attackers was killed at the scene, while the other was injured and taken into custody at the hospital. The police stated that the investigation is still in its early stages. The Premier of the state, Chris Minns, confirmed that the case is being treated as a terrorist act targeting the Jewish community, which occurred on the first day of Hanukkah. The attack comes amid a rise in incidents classified as "anti-Semitic" in Australia since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza in October 2023. The police also discovered a homemade explosive device near the scene of the shooting. Witnesses reported that the attackers had placed a black flag with a symbol on the windshield of their vehicle before opening fire. According to several sources, the shooting began around 6:40 pm, when two men opened fire from a stopped car on Campbell Parade, a highly tourist-frequented area. Images and videos published by the Daily Mail show one of the attackers firing from an elevated bridge with a long gun. Witnesses reported hearing over 30 gunshots, with some visitors taking cover behind walls or jumping into the water to escape the gunfire. The authorities have identified a suspect named Naveed Akram, after searching his home in western Sydney. The police indicated that the investigation is ongoing and all leads are being explored. Bondi Beach, one of the most famous and frequented beaches in the world, is a major tourist site in Sydney. The attack has caused national and international shock, as security in public places and cultural sites is now at the center of concerns for Australian authorities.
Key Points:
- At least 10 people killed and 20 injured in a shooting at Bondi Beach
- Two police officers among the injured, with some suffering serious wounds
- Incident classified as a terrorist attack by Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon
- One attacker killed, the other injured and taken into custody
- Attack occurred during Hanukkah celebrations, targeting the Jewish community
- Homemade explosive device discovered near the scene
- Suspect identified as Naveed Akram, investigation ongoing
Context:
The attack on Bondi Beach is the latest incident in a rise of anti-Semitic incidents in Australia, following the outbreak of conflict in Gaza in October 2023. The incident has raised concerns about security in public places and cultural sites, and has sparked a national and international response.
