Australia has just experienced a major terror attack in Sydney. The incident happened at Bondi Beach during a Jewish Hanukkah event.
Bondi Beach shooting
A mass shooting took place at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, where gunmen opened fire on people attending the event. At least around a dozen people were killed and many more were injured, making it one of Australia’s worst mass shootings in decades.
Targeting Jewish community
Authorities say the attack specifically targeted the Jewish community gathered for the first night of Hanukkah. The incident has been officially declared a terrorist act, and leaders have condemned it as an antisemitic attack.
Police and security response
Police shot one of the attackers and took at least one other suspect into custody. Special counterterrorism powers and a heavy security presence have been put in place around Sydney as investigations and searches of related locations continue.
National and global reaction
Australia’s prime minister and state leaders have publicly expressed condolences and support for the Jewish community. Foreign leaders from several countries have also issued statements of sympathy and solidarity after the Bondi Beach attack.
