Sydney Bondi Beach Attack: 10 Feared Dead in Shooting at Jewish Festival – Terror Suspected? LIVE UPDATES
Sydney Breaking News: Terror Attack Suspected at Bondi Beach? Shooting at Festival Leaves Multiple Casualties
A horrific incident has unfolded in Sydney, Australia, this evening. Reports are pouring in of a mass shooting at the famous Bondi Beach, targeting a crowded cultural gathering.
Local media and police sources indicate that a gunman opened fire near a park where a Jewish Festival was taking place. The situation is currently developing, and authorities have declared a “Major Incident.”
If you are in Sydney, please avoid the Bondi Junction and beach areas immediately. Here is what we know so far about this tragic event.
1. What Happened? (The Timeline)
The incident occurred around 6:45 PM (AEDT) on Sunday, December 14.
- Eyewitnesses reported hearing “rapid gunshots” near the Bondi Pavilion area.
- Chaos erupted as hundreds of people, including families and children attending the festival, fled for cover.
- Police have described the scene as “confronting” and have locked down the surrounding streets.
2. Casualties and Suspects
While official numbers are yet to be confirmed by the NSW Police, unverified reports suggest significant casualties.
- Casualties: Early reports fear at least 10 people may have lost their lives, with dozens injured and rushed to nearby hospitals like St Vincent’s.
- The Suspect: Police tactical units (TRG) have reportedly neutralized one gunman at the scene. It is currently unclear if there were other accomplices involved.
3. Is it a Terrorist Attack?
Authorities have not yet officially classified this as a “Terrorist Act,” but the specific targeting of a Jewish Community event has raised serious alarms of a hate crime or terror-linked motive.
- The Prime Minister of Australia has been briefed and is expected to address the nation shortly.
- The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has urged the community to remain calm but vigilant.
4. Police Advisory: Stay Away
The New South Wales (NSW) Police have issued an urgent advisory:
- Avoid the Area: All roads leading to Bondi Beach are closed.
- Public Transport: Buses and trains to Bondi Junction may be suspended.
- Stay Indoors: Residents in the immediate vicinity have been told to lock their doors and stay away from windows.
LIVE UPDATES: Sydney Shooting
- 07:45 PM: Police declare the immediate threat “contained,” but search operations continue.
- 07:30 PM: Ambulances are seen transporting victims; a ‘Code Red’ has been declared at local trauma centers.
- 07:10 PM: Videos circulating on social media show heavy police presence and helicopters hovering over the beach.
Verdict: A Dark Day for Australia
This tragedy brings back painful memories of the 2024 Bondi Junction stabbing. As the world watches in shock, our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We will update this article as soon as official confirmation on the death toll is released.
