At least twelve people are dead in one of the worst mass shootings in Australia’s modern history. NSW Police have confirmed it has been declared a terrorist incident.
One offender was killed, and another is in custody, after gunmen opened fire on beachgoers with high-powered weapons at 6.47pm Sunday evening. Police are investigating whether there is a third offender.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community” said NSW premier Chris Minns. There was a Jewish Hannukah celebration taking place on the beach at the time of the shooting.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation at tonight’s press conference.
“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.”
Multiple people were injured, including children. 29 people, including 2 police officers, were transported to hospitals around the city.
Witnesses say two men dressed in black fired from a nearby footbridge for up to 10 minutes.
A bystander was seen tackling and disarming one of the men.
People were ordered to avoid the area this evening and those in Bondi were told to take shelter.
“This is not a time for retribution. This is a time to allow the police to do their duty,” said NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon.
More to come as this story develops.