On 14 December 2025, a shocking mass shooting rocked Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most famous public spaces, during a Hanukkah celebration, leaving the world stunned and authorities scrambling to respond.
What Happened — Minute by Minute
🔹 ~6:45 PM (Local Time, AEDT):
Just as the sun set and the “Chanukah by the Sea” Hanukkah festival was underway near the Bondi Park Playground on Campbell Parade, reports of gunfire erupting across the beach area began flooding in. Hundreds had gathered for the Jewish festival, including families with children.
🔹 ~6:47 PM:
Multiple witnesses and video footage circulating on social media captured two men dressed in black firing repeatedly at the crowds from a small footbridge near the playground. Screams of panic and chaos instantly filled the air as people scattered in all directions.
🔹 Emergency Response:
NSW Police and emergency services were immediately called to the scene, with more than 25 medical and police units, ambulances, and even helicopters swiftly deployed to assist victims and secure the area. Police urged the public to take shelter and avoid Bondi Beach while the operation was underway.
🔹 Public Instructions:
Law enforcement repeatedly stated on social media that the incident was unfolding and dangerous, asking residents in the vicinity to follow police directions and not cross barricades.
Casualties & Arrests
As authorities continued their response:
✔️ At least 12 people were killed — including one of the shooters — according to official figures released later in the night.
✔️ Around 29 people were wounded, with numerous victims being rushed to Sydney hospitals.
✔️ Two suspects were taken into custody. One was killed by police, and the other remains under restraint and in critical condition.
Initial emergency reports also noted that some of the injured included police officers and possibly children among the civilians.
Why This Is Being Treated as Terrorism
Australian authorities have declared the Bondi shooting a terrorist incident, and early investigations indicate antisemitic motives, given the attack targeted a Jewish cultural event.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the scenes as “shocking and deeply distressing”, confirming that national security agencies are involved.
Eyewitness Accounts & Chaos
Witnesses on site said they originally thought the noise was fireworks, until the reality of gunshots became unmistakable with at least dozens of shots fired in rapid succession.
Some eyewitnesses described people taking shelter in nearby restaurants and shops as the barrage unfolded, while emergency responders worked frantically to help the wounded.
International Impact & Concerns
This massacre is now considered Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades, drawing global condemnation and raising urgent questions about domestic security and antisemitic violence on Australian soil — a country long seen as relatively safe from such acts.
Authorities are now investigating possible ideological motivations, examining backgrounds of the suspects, and coordinating with national intelligence agencies to determine broader risk patterns.
What Comes Next?
-
Further details on the suspects’ motives and affiliations are expected to emerge as investigations continue.
-
Government leaders have pledged support for victims and communities affected.
-
Heightened security measures and reviews of public event safety protocols are likely nationwide.
