Police are working to disarm a suspected explosive device after at least 12 people died and at least 11 others injured when gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach in Sydney.
A number of “suspicious devices” have been found in the aftermath of the shooting where hundreds of people had gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event to celebrate the start of the Jewish festival on Sunday.
A massive police and ambulance response is under way after authorities responded to reports of shooters firing at a crowd gathered beside the beach about 6.40pm.
One of the gunmen is in police custody while the other was killed.
Police say they are working to disarm what they have described as an improvised explosive device.
“A number of suspicious items located in the vicinity are being examined by specialist officers and an exclusion zone is in place,” NSW Police said in a statement at 9pm.
Multiple videos posted to social media show two gunmen standing on a footbridge connecting Campbell Parade to the Bondi Pavilion, firing shots into a crowd.
The men could be seen firing guns as people screamed and sprinted for cover.
A number of people could be seen lying injured and unmoving on grass at North Bondi.
Others were loaded into ambulances on stretchers while onlookers attempted to provide support.
Separate footage showed officers standing guard over a hunting rifle on the ground with an exclusion zone in place.
NSW Police confirmed two people had been taken into custody shortly before 8pm.
“Two people are in police custody at Bondi Beach; however, the police operation is ongoing and we continue to urge people to avoid the area,” the force said in a statement.
Police confirmed the shooters had been “neutralised” and there was no ongoing active threat to the public.
People on the ground have reported panic, confusion and disbelief as chaos continued to unfold with emergency services on the scene.
The Australian Jewish News has confirmed that one of those killed was Rabbi Eli Schlanger. A well liked hospital and prison chaplain, Rabbi Schlanger had recently founded a program to teach children universal respect and moral values based on the Noahide Laws – 7 basic laws described in the book of Genesis given by God to all of humanity for a just and decent society.
Chanukah is the Jewish Festival of Lights. It is marked with a nightly menorah lighting as well as playing games, singing songs and preparing delicious food. While it is a minor festival in the Jewish calendar, it is one of the most widely observed and a special and fun time for children, as they will receive gifts and Chanukah money called gelt, aligning it with the spirit of giving at Christmas.
The Chanukah by the Sea event has been run for many years by Chabad of Bondi to celebrate the festival, with hundreds of people attending each year to enjoy the singing and dancing, eat free doughnuts (it is the custom to eat food cooked in oil), and light a giant menorah.
Co-chief of the Executive Council of the Australian Jewry Alex Ryvchin described the incident as “our worst fear realised”.
“It’s a family event, a beautiful event every year,” he told Sky News.
“If this is what we think it is, it is our worst fear realised … if we were targeted it’s something of a scale none of us could ever imagine.”
Unverified footage on social media shows a man running up on one of the gunmen and grabbing his weapon.
The video shows the bystander sneaking up behind the shooter before wrestling the firearm from his grip and pointing it at him.
NSW Premier Chris Minns described the reports and images coming from the scene as “deeply distressing”.
“Our heart bleeds for our Australian Jewish Community tonight.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his thoughts were with all those affected.
“The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing,” he said.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the shooting as a “very cruel attack on Jews”.
“The heart of the entire nation of Israel misses a beat at this very moment, as we pray for the recovery of the wounded, we pray for them and we pray for those who lost their lives,” he said.
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce also posted to social media offering thoughts and prayers.
“This is horrific for those injured, killed and traumatised,” Joyce said.
Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan said he was “appalled and heartbroken by the horrific act of terrorism in Bondi.”
“We stand together in grief and solidarity.”
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