Australia: Multiple shots were fired at the iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday. Cops have taken two people in custody, the NSW Police Force confirmed on X. A total of 10 victims have died, Reuters cited Australian Police as saying.
It also asked people to avoid the area and take shelter as they responded to a "developing incident" at Sydney's Bondi Beach.
“Two people are in police custody at Bondi Beach; however, the police operation is ongoing and we continue to urge people to avoid the area. Please obey ALL police directions. Do not cross police lines,” NSW Police stated.
Videos surfaced on X seemed to indicate people on Bondi Beach scattering as several gunshots and police sirens can be heard. Another video showed two men being held face down on a small pedestrian bridge by uniformed police, with officers appearing to attempt resuscitation on one of them.
(Mint could not verify authenticity of the footage)
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said authorities were aware of an active security situation in Bondi and urged people in the area to follow guidance from NSW Police, reported Reuters.
Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese reacts
Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese said the scenes in Bondi were “shocking and distressing”, noting that police and emergency responders were on the ground working to save lives, the report noted.
He said his thoughts were with everyone affected and confirmed that he had spoken with the AFP commissioner and the New South Wales premier. He added that authorities were working closely with NSW Police and would provide further updates as more information was confirmed, urging people in the area to follow advice from NSW Police.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that several people were injured, and footage broadcast by Sky and ABC showed individuals lying on the ground.
Harry Wilson, a 30-year-old local, who saw the shooting, informed the Herald, “I saw at least 10 people on the ground and blood everywhere."
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, mentioned in an interview with Sky News that the shooting occurred during a beach event marking the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, which began at sundown.
He stated, “This is the Jewish community at its best coming together to mark a happy occasion. If we were targeted deliberately in this way, it's something of a scale that none of us could have ever fathomed. It's a horrific thing.” Alex added his media adviser had been injured in the attack.
The incident occurred nearly 11 years after a lone gunman took 18 people hostage at Sydney’s Lindt Cafe, an ordeal that ended after a 16-hour standoff in which two hostages and the attacker were killed.
