SYDNEY: The death toll from a shooting that targeted the Jewish community celebrating the first day of Hanukkah at Australia’s Bondi Beach has risen to 16, while at least 40 people remain hospitalised, New South Wales (NSW) Police confirmed on Monday.
In a statement posted on X, the NSW Police Force said 16 people had died following Sunday’s attack and dozens were still receiving treatment in hospitals. Authorities said more details would be released as the investigation progresses.
A representative of the Jewish community confirmed that a 12-year-old girl and a rabbi are among those killed. The attack occurred while hundreds of people had gathered to mark the first day of Hanukkah.
Police said the Bondi Beach area remains sealed off as forensic teams continue to examine the crime scene. All surrounding roads have been closed and aircraft, including drones, have been banned from flying over the area.
The incident has been officially declared a terrorist attack. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting, calling it a “devastating terror attack” and expressing solidarity with the Jewish community.
“This was a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy and celebration of faith,” Albanese said in a national address. “This was an act of evil—antisemitism and terrorism—that has struck at the heart of our nation. There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in Australia.”
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the two suspects involved were a father and his son. The 50-year-old father was shot dead by police at the scene, while his 24-year-old son has been hospitalised and is in critical but stable condition.
Police also confirmed that explosive devices found in a nearby vehicle were safely secured and removed without further incident.
Australia has rarely seen mass shootings since the introduction of strict gun control laws following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, 31 firearm-related homicides were recorded nationwide in 2023–24, the most recent data available.
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