Mass Shooting at Bondi Beach Chanukkah Event Leaves 10 Dead, Two Gunmen Down
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A mass shooting erupted at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday, December 14, 2025, during a Chanukkah celebration, resulting in 10 confirmed deaths including children and a police officer. Two gunmen opened fire on beachgoers gathered at a Chanukkah by the Sea event scheduled near Bondi Beach Park.
Police responded to emergency calls at 6:45pm, with NSW Ambulance deploying more than 26 resources to the scene, including medical helicopter teams, intensive care paramedics, and special operations personnel. One gunman was shot dead at the scene, while the second gunman was shot and apprehended, with emergency services providing treatment. Multiple patients were transported to hospitals including St Vincent's Hospital, RPA, and St George Hospital.
The attack is understood to have been planned for months and targeted the Jewish community gathering at the beach. Video footage captured the chaotic moments as crowds of beachgoers fled the scene, with screams audible as gunshots rang out. One bystander engaged one of the armed shooters, rushing the gunman while he was firing and wrestling the shotgun away from him, potentially preventing additional casualties. The second gunman continued firing from a nearby bridge.
Paramedics were observed performing CPR on victims at the scene, with police tending to both gunmen on the ground surrounded by spent shotgun shells. The Chanukkah event had drawn crowds to Bondi Beach, which was also hosting Christmas markets on the evening of the attack.
Police were seen tending to two men on the ground.
Families sheltering from the gunfire sought refuge in nearby residences as the situation unfolded. One mother reported her two daughters were enjoying a night swim with friends when the shooting began, with a bystander directing them to run to safety. They took shelter in a local resident's house as the emergency response mobilized across the beach.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was briefed by the Australian Federal Police Commissioner and NSW Premier Chris Minns regarding the incident. NSW Police urged the public to avoid the area and follow official guidance from law enforcement.
This represents one of Australia's most significant mass casualty events in recent years, shocking the nation during the holiday season.