Updated 15 December:
A major counter-terrorism response is underway following an antisemitic terrorist attack at a Chanukah event in Bondi yesterday evening, confirming 15 innocent people were killed, with at least 42 people receiving hospital treatment, and an expanded police operation to protect Jewish communities across New South Wales.
The NSW Premier Chris Minns said the attack was a “terrible, targeted act of violence” against the Jewish community during what should have been a joyful celebration, describing antisemitism as “toxic” and “cancerous” within society. He said it was the responsibility of governments and the wider community to “wrap our arms around a wounded community” and send a clear repudiation of antisemitism in all its forms, from violent extremism to online hate.
He praised the actions of emergency services, hospital staff, police and civilians who risked their lives to save others, urging Australians seeking to help to donate blood and support first responders. He said overwhelming public outrage had been matched by widespread community solidarity and national unity.
The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the shooting was “an act of pure evil,” describing it as both antisemitism and terrorism, deliberately targeting Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah at an iconic beach location associated with joy and celebration. He confirmed flags would fly at half-mast nationwide and said Australia would dedicate “every single resource required” to the investigation and to stamping out antisemitism.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed the incident was formally declared a terrorist act at 9:36pm, triggering a joint counter-terrorism investigation. Police have identified two offenders, a father and son, with the 50-year-old deceased at the scene and the 24-year-old in critical but stable condition in hospital. Police said they are not searching for additional offenders at this stage.
Search warrants were executed overnight at properties in Bonnyrigg and Campsie. Commissioner Lanyon said the deceased offender was a licensed firearms holder with six registered firearms, all of which police believe were used in the attack. He said investigators would examine how the licence was granted and confirmed the government would consider law reform if required to strengthen community safety.
Police also confirmed two improvised explosive devices were located at the scene. The devices were active but rudimentary and were rendered safe by specialist police units.
In response to the attack, New South Wales Police have launched Operation Shelter, deploying 328 officers to areas frequented by the Jewish community. Commissioner Lanyon said the operation would focus on prevention, reassurance and rapid response, stressing there would be zero tolerance for antisemitic behaviour.
New South Wales Ambulance confirmed more than 123 personnel were involved in the emergency response. Twenty-four injured people were transported by ambulance, while others made their own way to hospitals. Fourteen victims were pronounced dead at the scene, with two later dying in hospital, bringing the total death toll to 15. Two police officers remain in critical but stable condition.
Health authorities urged anyone affected to seek mental health support, noting dedicated services are available through the New South Wales Health system.
Leaders called for national unity, saying Australia would not allow terrorism or antisemitism to divide the country, and that justice would be pursued fully and transparently.
Posted 14 December:
Australia’s leaders and security agencies have condemned what they described as an antisemitic terrorist attack after a mass shooting at a Chanukah event in Bondi that has left 12 people dead and many more injured. The Australian Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese said the attack “struck the heart of our nation,” calling it both anti-Semitism and terrorism, and stressing that “an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.” He pledged “every resource required” to protect the Jewish community and said the country would respond with national unity, rejecting “division, violence or hatred” and vowing justice.
The Prime Minister said that what should have been a “day of joy, a celebration of faith” was turned into “an act of evil” and that the trauma and loss families are dealing with tonight is “beyond anyone’s worst nightmare.” He praised the courage of first responders and police who rushed towards danger, calling them heroes, and said the nation stands with Jewish Australians “today and every day.”
Representatives from the Australian Federal Police said the AFP is working alongside New South Wales Police and national security partners through joint counter-terrorism arrangements following the declaration of a terrorist incident. They said all specialist powers and resources are being used to ensure the matter is investigated as thoroughly as possible, but stressed the investigation remains in its early stages.
ASIO’s Director-General said the agency’s principal role at this stage is to support the police investigation while also assessing whether there are others in the community with similar intent. He said there are currently no indications of linked threats and that the national terrorism threat level remains “probable,” noting that threat levels are under constant review and not automatically raised based on a single incident.
Community responses were swift. The Jewish Council of Australia said it was “horrified and shaken,” describing the shooting on the first night of Chanukah as “shattering,” and urging that people should be able to gather and worship in safety. The Australian National Imams Council and NSW imams, together with the Australian Muslim community, unequivocally condemned the violence, saying such acts have no place in society and calling for accountability.
