Fears THIRD attacker concerned in Bondi Beach mass capturing horror as dying toll rises to 12: Live updates

NSW Premier Chris Minns says 12 people were killed and was targeted at the Jewish community.

Minns: ‘This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Channukah.’

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirms he formally declared the incident a terrorist attack as of 9.36pm.

Mr Lanyon said: ‘If there is a third offender, and we are currently investigating that at the moment, we will make sure that we prevent any further activity.

‘I cannot confirm there is a third offender, but I want to make sure no stone is left unturned’.

• Two gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach about 6.40pm on Sunday
• At least 12 people have been killed, including a police officer
• At least 20 more have been injured, including one child
• One gunman has been shot dead
• A second gunman has been shot, arrested and is in custody, being treated by emergency services. He is in a critical condition
• An IED left in Bondi has been confirmed by police.
• Police believe the attack was targeted
• The intended target is understood to be a Chanukah event at Bondi Beach
• Police sources believe the attack may have been planned for months
• NSW Police and AFP are responding, with a large emergency operation underway
• Multiple victims have been taken to St Vincent’s Hospital, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and St George Hospital
• The beach was busy at the time, with Christmas markets and evening swimmers present
• Eyewitnesses reported panic, at least 30 gunshots and people fleeing
• Families sheltered in nearby homes as the incident unfolded

‘I think at this moment it is appropriate to tell Australians that the National Security Committee was convened as a matter of urgency and we have just come from it,’ Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

‘There has been a devastating terrorist incident at Bondi, at the Chanukah by the Sea celebration. This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith.

‘An act of evil, anti-Semitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation, an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian, on our way of life.

‘There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear we will eradicate it. Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity, where Australians across the board will embrace their fellow Australians of Jewish faith.

‘At this dark moment for our nation, our police and security agencies are working to determine anyone associated with this outrage. Our agencies will provide you with factual updates as quickly as possible as they continue to emerge.

‘The trauma and loss that families are dealing with tonight is beyond anyone’s worst nightmare. Australians have had their lives cruelly stolen and many have been injured.

‘For all Australians, our first thoughts are with those in the terrible early hours of their grief. We are also thinking of everyone being treated for their injuries, and many of whom are alive right now because of the courage and quick action of police.

‘Also the first responders who rushed to their aid, as well as the courage of everyday Australians who, without hesitating, put themselves in danger in order to keep their fellow Australians safe. We have seen Australians today run towards danger in order to help others.

‘These Australians are heroes and their bravery has saved lives. As Prime Minister, I say on behalf of all Australians to the Jewish community, we stand with you. We embrace you and we reaffirm tonight that you have every right to be proud of who you are and what you believe.

‘You have the right to worship and study and live and work in peace and safety, and you enrich us as a nation. You should never have to endure the loss that you have suffered today. You should never know the fear that you know. Tonight we will dedicate every resource required to making sure you are safe and protected.

‘You are Australian and all Australians are with you today and every day. Fellow Australians, I say tonight that there are nights that tear at our nation’s soul. In this moment of darkness. We must be each other’s light.

‘Hold on to the true character of the country that we love. Australia is stronger than the cowards who attacked innocent people. Today, Australia is braver than those who seek to make afraid.

‘Australia will never submit to division, violence or hatred. We will see justice done and we will come through this together.’

‘On the first day of Hanukkah, what should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters, has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack,’ NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

He confirmed the event has been designated an official terrorist attack.

‘I can assure the community it will be met with a massive comprehensive police and public order response. Our heart bleeds for Australia’s Jewish community tonight.

‘I can only imagine the pain that they’re feeling right now to see their loved ones killed as they celebrate this ancient holiday.

‘It’s a responsibility of all Australians to wrap their arms around Australia’s Jewish community and help them get through this incredibly difficult period.

‘This is a massive, complex and just beginning investigation. And there are things that tonight we don’t have the answers to.

‘However, we do have answers to some crucial pieces of information for our wonderful city and our beautiful state.

‘The first one is the outpouring of love and support from ordinary Australians, for Australia’s Jewish community is real.

‘Secondly, today is another example of the enormous pressure and responsibility the danger that NSW Police regularly face as part of their job. They do it without faltering. They didn’t falter. Today we need them.

‘And thirdly, tonight acts of personal courage and bravery from individuals in our community. And I think it’s worth remembering that in all of this there are still wonderful, brave Australians that are prepared to risk their lives to help a complete stranger.’

One of the gunmen who opened fire on innocent people on a hot summer’s day at Sydney’s Bondi Beach has been identified.

Police have confirmed the man was Naveed Akram, 24, from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s south-west.

Akram’s home in Bonnyrigg is currently being raided by police. His family have owned the property for a year.

Akram was shot, arrested and remains in custody, where he is being treated by emergency services.

The other gunman was shot dead at the scene.

Twelve people have died, including children and more than 20 were injured after the horrific attack.

A Jewish festival, Chanukah by the Sea, advertised as a night of family fun, was taking place, with children attending the event when the gunmen opened fire.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called an emergency cabinet meeting of senior ministers.

High level officials from all security agencies will give briefings including the Australian Federal Police and ASIO.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and eight other ministers on the National Security Committee will attend.

The NSC looks at the ‘highest priority and highest risk national security matters’.

Larisa Kleytman was with her husband when he was shot dead while trying to protect her.

Married for five decades, Mrs Kleytman and husband Alex came from Matraville to celebrate Chanukah.

They were in the crowd when Mrs Kletyman heard ‘boom boom’ and the shooting began.

‘I think he was shot because he raised himself up to protect me, in the back of the head,’ she said.

Mrs Kletyman and her husband came to Australia from Ukraine and have two children and 11 grandchildren.

Englishman Finn was video-calling with family back in London.

‘I could hear fireworks going off – that’s what it sounded like, anyway,’ he said.

‘I told my mum I’d go have a look, almost show her the view, in a way, and the next thing you know I saw a white car, with a guy firing from his car, and I saw an older lady who was killed.’

A witness told Daily Mail: ‘These men pulled over their car put a black flag with an emblem on the windshield then walked over the footbridge and started firing.’

Tim Hamilton was with friends in North Bondi when he thought he heard a car backfiring but ‘more violent than that, like a little bit louder’.

‘I stood up and looked over and then I just saw people on the beach running really fast away from that area, like the Bondi Pavilion but the north side of it,’ he told Daily Mail.

He added that people were hiding behind the concrete wall and running into the ocean to try and stay clear of the shooters.

A police operation is ongoing after a public place shooting by two men at Bondi Beach earlier today.

Ten people have been confirmed dead, including a man believed to be one of the shooters. The second alleged shooter is in a critical condition.

At this time, a further 11 people are reported to be injured, two of which are police officers.

Emergency services were called to Campbell Parade about 6.45pm on Sunday responding to reports of shots being fired.

Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended assisted by multiple resources across the city.

A number of suspicious items located in the vicinity are being examined by specialist officers and an exclusion zone is in place.

A multi-agency response is continuing.

An extensive crime scene has been established and inquiries are now underway.

There have been NO reports of any other incidents in Sydney connected to this incident.

Police are now appealing for anyone with mobile phone vision or dashcam vision relevant to this incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Two gunmen opened fire with high-powered weapons.

Footage from the scene showed one gunman standing on a footbridge overpass firing off shots into the crowded beach.

Thousands of people were at the area for a warm summer day and there was also a family-focused event for Chanukah – the Jewish festival of lights – being held.

At least 12 people have been confirmed killed, including one of the shooters.

Many more have been injured including children and police officers.

A second shooter was shot, arrested and remains in custody, where he is being treated by emergency services.

Police believe the attack was targeted at the Chanukah event.

Police are conducting raids across Sydney after the mass shooting at Bondi Beach.

The fact officers have been dispatched to specific addresses within a couple of hours of gunmen having opened fire suggests police could have had intelligence on the group.

Lauren Dunn, who appeared on Season 11 of Married At First Sight in 2024, was out on the street in her pajamas picking up food from a café below her apartment when she heard what she thought was a car backfiring.

`Then people started running and screaming, and the police shouted for everyone to get inside,` she said.

Lauren said she saw dozens of people running from the beach where there `were children petting fluffy animals` minutes earlier.

She has taken shelter in her apartment directly across from trendy eatery Icebergs, which she says police have surrounded and locked down.

Helicopters are circling the beach making announcements to stay indoors on a loudspeaker.

There are also dozens of police boats on the water doing the same – but despite this, `people are still just walking around`.