Political leaders, Jewish organisations, Muslim groups and international bodies have issued fresh statements as police confirmed the scale of the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach, which unfolded during a Hanukkah gathering and left ten people dead, including one of the gunmen.
New South Wales Police said two men opened fire near Campbell Parade around 6:45 pm. One of the shooters was killed, while the second remains in critical condition. At least 11 others were injured, including two police officers. Specialist officers continue to examine suspicious items at the scene, with an exclusion zone still in place. Police said there are no reports of linked incidents elsewhere in Sydney and investigations remain ongoing.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson described the attack as “an extremely dark day for our nation, particularly the Australian Jewish community, which appears to be the target of this terrorist attack”.
“The Prime Minister never heeded the warning signs, including the weekly anti-semitic protests across our nation, hate speech from certain religious clerics, our obnoxious universities and probable terrorist alert,” she said.
“I stand with Australia’s Jewish community, who tonight deserve our absolute solace. You have the same right to live in peace and harmony as all Australians,” Hanson added, calling on authorities to be “honest when revealing the identities and backgrounds of these murderers”.
International reaction has also followed. The Board of Deputies of British Jews said it was “devastated to hear reports of a shooting attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, with multiple fatalities at a Jewish Hanukkah event”.
“While details emerge, we have been in touch with our Australian partners at the Executive Council of Australian Jewry to express our solidarity and offer our support,” the organisation said. It added that it had also contacted the UK Government, which is “monitoring the situation closely”, warning that “the scourges of terrorism and antisemitism are shared, international challenges and need concerted and determined action to defeat them”.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said Australians were in mourning after what she described as “hateful violence striking at the heart of an iconic Australian community, a place we all know so well and love, Bondi”.
“The loss of life from this attack is significant and I join with the Prime Minister in urging all Australians to follow official advice from police and relevant authorities,” she said. Referring to the timing of the attack, Ley said it occurred as the Jewish community gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea celebration, describing it as “a celebration of peace and hope for the future, severed by hate”.
“My heart is with Australia’s Jewish community tonight, particularly those in the eastern suburbs of Sydney people I know well. Today we stand together as Australians against hate in this moment of profound tragedy and shock,” she said.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said the events were “horrifying and distressing”.
“My thoughts are with all those impacted by this horrific incident and with the first responders who are dealing with this traumatic event,” she said. “Tonight all Victorians stand with New South Wales and everyone who is grieving right now.”
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas also expressed his shock at the attack, extending his condolences to the victims, their families and the wider Jewish community, and offering South Australia’s support to New South Wales as the response continues.
Jewish community leaders have voiced deep concern. Australian Jewish Association chief executive Robert Gregory said, “What happened tonight is a tragedy but entirely foreseeable.”
“The Albanese government was warned so many times but failed to take adequate actions to protect the Jewish community,” he said. “Tonight, many Jews are pondering whether they have a future in Australia.”
“Our thoughts are with our community and all the impacted, some of whom we are close to,” Gregory added.
Muslim leaders have also spoken out, condemning the attack and calling for unity. The Australian National Imams Council, alongside the Council of Imams NSW and the Australian Muslim community, said they “unequivocally condemn the horrific shootings in Bondi”.
“These acts of violence and crimes have no place in our society. Those responsible must be held fully accountable and face the full force of the law,” the statement said.
“Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by this deeply traumatic attack,” the council said, acknowledging “the pain, fear, and distress felt across the community” and extending “sincere compassion and support to all who are grieving”.
The statement urged Australians to remain vigilant and support one another, adding that this was “a moment for all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, to stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity, rejecting violence in all its forms and affirming our shared commitment to social harmony and the safety of all Australians”.
Emergency services remain at Bondi Beach, with police urging the public to avoid the area as investigations continue and authorities work to establish the full sequence of events.
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