On Sunday, December 14, 2025, one of Australia’s most shocking acts of violence in decades unfolded at Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most iconic public spaces. A mass shooting erupted in the late afternoon during the Hanukkah Celebration, leaving multiple people dead, many injured, and the nation in shock as emergency services responded.
This article tells the full story of what happened, who was involved, and how authorities and the community are responding. It is written in a clear, factual, and neutral tone for those searching for immediate, verified information about the incident.
What Happened at Bondi Beach
In the early evening of December 14, 2025, multiple gunshots rang out near the Bondi Park Playground and Campbell Parade, an area adjacent to the sandy shoreline of Bondi Beach in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
According to official reports, the shooting occurred during a Hanukkah celebration known as “Chanukah by the Sea,” which had begun earlier in the day and was attended by hundreds of people, including families and community members.
Witnesses described chaos and panic as shots were fired, people fled for shelter, and emergency services quickly converged on the scene.
Casualties and Injuries
Local authorities and media outlets report that:
- 10 people have been confirmed killed, including at least one of the alleged shooters.
- Multiple others are injured, with early figures indicating at least 11 people hospitalized, including civilians and emergency personnel.
- Victims range across ages, and some are reported to be in critical condition.
Because the situation is still unfolding, these figures may be updated as more official information becomes available.
Police Action and Arrests
The New South Wales Police Force confirmed that two people have been taken into custody in connection with the shooting.
One suspected gunman was fatally shot by police or incapacitated at the scene, and the second remains under treatment and custody.
Police have established an exclusion zone around the area, cordoned off key roads, and urged the public to avoid the vicinity of Bondi Beach while the investigation continues.
Emergency Response and Public Safety
Emergency services, including ambulances, helicopters, and special medical units, were dispatched in large numbers to assist the wounded.
Multiple hospitals in Sydney — including St Vincent’s, Royal Prince Alfred, and St George — received victims with gunshot wounds.
Authorities continue to urge:
- People in the area to take shelter or avoid the scene entirely.
- Members of the public to follow all official guidance from NSW Police and emergency crews.
Hanukkah Celebration Targeted
The shooting unfolded during the first night of Hanukkah, a major Jewish festival of lights, and at a community event celebrating that holiday.
Although authorities are still investigating motive, the timing and location have prompted public concern that attendees at the religious and cultural gathering may have been targeted.
Political and community leaders in Australia have expressed shock and solidarity with victims, while police continue to investigate whether this was a deliberate act against the festival or community gathering.
National and Political Response
Australia’s Prime Minister described the scenes as “shocking and distressing,” and officials have pledged full support for victims and families affected by the incident.
State and federal authorities are working together to understand the full circumstances, identify additional suspects (if any), and reinforce security in public places across Sydney and beyond.
Why This Is Significant
Mass shootings are very rare in Australia, a country known for strict gun control laws implemented after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. This incident is quickly becoming one of the deadliest violent attacks in recent Australian history.
Because it occurred during a major community celebration, the emotional impact on local residents and the broader public is especially profound.
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