Australia is reeling after a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach claimed 12 lives and left at least 29 people injured during a Hanukkah gathering, in what authorities have described as a targeted terrorist attack against Sydney’s Jewish community.

The attack unfolded late Saturday along Campbell Parade near Bondi Beach, where more than 1,000 people had gathered to mark the Jewish festival. According to New South Wales authorities, gunfire erupted suddenly, sending families and festival-goers fleeing in panic.

Conflicting toll clarified by authorities

Initial statements from New South Wales Police put the death toll at 11. However, Premier Chris Minns later confirmed that 12 people had died, including one of the attackers.

“This was an attack designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” Minns said, according to the BBC. “This is a terrible night for Sydney.”

Police said at least 29 people were taken to hospital, including a child. Two police officers were among the injured and were described as being in serious, verging on critical condition, as they underwent surgery late Saturday.

Terrorism declaration and suspect details

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon formally declared the incident an act of terrorism, citing both the nature of the attack and the timing during a religious celebration.

“Tonight, an act of terrorism has occurred in one of Sydney’s most iconic public spaces,” Lanyon said. “There were well over a thousand people at the site, many of them celebrating Hanukkah.”

Authorities confirmed that two gunmen were involved. One was shot dead at the scene, while the second suspect remains in serious condition in hospital. Police are also investigating whether a third attacker may have played a role.

Lanyon said investigators were not yet releasing the identities of the suspects, stressing that public safety and support for victims remain the priority.

Bomb discovery heightens security fears

Meanwhile, police revealed that an improvised explosive device was discovered inside a vehicle linked to the deceased attacker. A specialist bomb disposal unit was immediately deployed, and parts of the area remain cordoned off as forensic teams continue their work.

Security experts say the discovery of an explosive device suggests the attack may have been planned to cause mass casualties, reinforcing police concerns about its terrorist nature.

Acts of bravery amid chaos

Premier Minns also paid tribute to a civilian who intervened during the shooting, describing the individual’s actions as heroic.

“There was an extraordinary act of bravery by a man who was filmed wrestling one of the attackers to the ground and taking his gun away,” Minns said. “That courage undoubtedly saved lives.”

Footage circulating online appeared to show the bystander confronting an armed attacker as others escaped.

National leaders condemn attack

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting as an act of hatred and antisemitism, describing it as an attack on Australian values.

“This was a targeted attack on Australians on a day that should have been a day of joy,” Albanese said at a separate briefing. “It is an act of evil antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.”

He added that there is no place in Australia for violence motivated by hate and confirmed that the federal government is providing full support to New South Wales authorities.

Minns said he had spoken directly with the prime minister and announced that a full inquiry would be launched into how the attack occurred.

Investigation continues

As investigations continue, police have urged members of the public to avoid the Bondi Beach area and to share any information, footage, or eyewitness accounts that could assist investigators.

Authorities say additional security measures are being reviewed around places of worship and major public gatherings across the state in the coming days.