Australian PM condemns 'shocking' Bondi Beach terror attack after 15 killed

Fifteen people have been killed in a shooting at a Hanukkah event at Australia's Bondi Beach, which was carried out by a father and son, police said.

Police declared a terrorist incident after what New South Wales premier Chris Minns called an attack "designed to target Sydney's Jewish community".

Forty people, including two police officers, were injured. Police said the father gunman, 50, was also killed, taking the toll to 16. His son, 24, was injured, Reuters reported. They said earlier reports of a third gunman had been ruled out.

Mr Minns said the shooters opened fire shortly before 7pm at a Hanukkah event with more than 1,000 people present. "This cowardly act of terrifying violence is shocking and painful to see," he said.

"What should have been a night of peace and joy ... has been shattered by this horrifying, evil attack."

New South Wales police commissioner Mal Lanyon said there was "information about the deceased shooter" that contributed to a terrorist incident being declared, but did not reveal what that was.

He said improvised explosives were found in a vehicle in the Bondi area that was linked to the dead shooter. Bomb disposal experts were at the scene.

People and emergency workers at the scene of the shooting. AP

As evening fell, the normally raucous strip was swiftly cleared as armed police cordoned off streets. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the shooting was "beyond comprehension", and hailed the "heroes" who stepped in to help.

"The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing. Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives," Mr Albanese said on X. "My thoughts are with every person affected.

"We have seen Australians today run towards dangers in order to help others. These Australians are heroes and their bravery has saved lives."

A major Australian Muslim organisation condemned the "horrific" shooting.

"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 Australian National Imams Council said.

"This is a moment for all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, to stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity," it added.

International reaction

Foreign leaders also condemned the attack.

"That was such a horrible attack that was a purely anti-Semitic attack," US President Donald Trump said at a Christmas reception at the White House.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X: "Anti-Semitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia."

Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President, said: "Europe stands with Australia and Jewish communities everywhere. We are united against violence, anti-Semitism and hatred."

Iran denounced the "violent attack". "We condemn the violent attack in Sydney, Australia. Terror and killing of human beings, wherever committed, is rejected and condemned," Foreign Ministry