Bondi Beach shooting live: Trump condemns Bondi Beach shooting as 'purely antisemitic attack'

The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned Sunday’s shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that killed at least 12 people, saying it rejected all forms of violence and terrorism.

The ministry said it “reiterates its firm rejection of all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism, which contradict humanitarian values”, expressing in a statement its “full solidarity” with “friendly Australia”.

Australia recognised a Palestinian state in September alongside Britain and Canada in a historic shift in decades of Western foreign policy.

The  timeline of major mass attacks that have tested Australia’s image as a country largely protected from mass shootings, from the Port Arthur massacre to the Bondi Beach terror attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Sunday’s deadly shooting at a Jewish holiday celebration in Sydney and said he had warned his Australian counterpart that the country’s support for Palestinian statehood would fuel ‌antisemitism.

Gunmen ‌opened fire during an event marking the first night of Hanukkah at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, killing at least 11 people in ‍what Australian officials described as a targeted antisemitic attack. One of the suspected gunmen was also killed.

Netanyahu said the shooting was “cold blooded murder”.

He added that in August he had told Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a letter that the Australian government’s policies were promoting and encouraging antisemitism in Australia.

“I wrote: ‘Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the antisemitic fire. It rewards Hamas terrorists. It emboldens those who menace Australian Jews and encourages the Jew hatred now ⁠stalking your streets’,” Netanyahu said in a speech.

King Charles said he and Queen Camilla are “appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack” that targeted the Jewish community at Bondi Beach on the first day of Hanukkah.

In a message to the people of Australia, he said: “Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community.”

Charles also praised emergency responders and members of the public “whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he believes the Australian government has “poured oil on the flames of antisemitism” by remaining silent on rising anti-Jewish sentiment.

Ahead of his weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said: “A few months ago, I wrote a letter to the Prime Minister of Australia. I said that their policy was pouring oil on the flames of antisemitism and encouraging the hatred of Jews that is raging in the streets of Australia.”

He added: “Antisemitism is a cancer that spreads when leaders remain silent, and they must replace weakness with strength in facing it.”

Sunday’s attack at Bondi Beach occurred during an event marking the first day of Hanukkah.

Hanukkah, also known as the Jewish festival of light, commemorates the Jewish victory over the Greeks more than 2,000 years ago, which allowed them to practise their religion freely.

The festival lasts eight days, beginning on the 25th of Kislev, the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar.

It is celebrated with nightly menorah lightings, playing dreidel, singing songs, and giving children gifts and Hanukkah money called gelt.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that he had warned his Australian counterpart that the country’s policies contribute to rising antisemitism.

The comments came after at least 12 people were killed and nearly 30 injured when gunmen attacked a Jewish holiday event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities have called a terrorist attack.

Netanyahu described the shooting as “cold-blooded murder” and said antisemitism “spreads when leaders stay silent.” He added: “You must replace weakness with action.”

Following the attack in Sydney, London’s Metropolitan Police said Jewish communities in the city may be feeling a “heightened concern about safety,” especially as they gather to celebrate Hanukkah.

Police said there is “no information to suggest any link” between the Sydney attack and the threat level in London. However, they confirmed they are stepping up their police presence, carrying out additional community patrols and engaging closely with the Jewish community.

In Scotland, Police Scotland said they are “actively communicating with faith leaders” in the wake of the attack in Australia.

They added that there is “no specific threat” at present, but noted that “additional and dedicated patrols around synagogues and other Jewish venues” are already in place as part of security arrangements for the Jewish festival.

One of the victims killed in the attack on a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach was an Israeli citizen, Israel’s foreign ministry said.

The ministry added that another Israeli national was injured in the attack and is being treated at a hospital in Sydney.

One of the suspects linked to the deadly terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach has been identified as a person of Pakistani origin, sources told CNN-News18. Australian investigators are examining his immigration status, family background and any possible overseas connections.

Sources said the suspect is a student at the Al-Murad Institute in Heckenberg, New South Wales, which offers instruction in Arabic and the Quran. Authorities are reviewing his educational and social background as part of the ongoing investigation.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Australia “must take significant action” in response to what he described as a sharp rise in antisemitism, according to a statement from the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

In a conversation with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Saar expressed “sorrow and pain, on behalf of the people of Israel, over the murderous antisemitic attack in Sydney.”

He said antisemitism in Australia has increased since October 7, pointing to chants against the Israeli military and the burning of Israeli flags during protests marked by what he called overt expressions of hatred.

Saar said the security of the Jewish community in Australia “can only be achieved through a true change in public atmosphere.”

The United States has “strongly condemned” the attack, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

Writing on X, Rubio said: “Antisemitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia.”

The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Australia targeting a Jewish celebration.

Antisemitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia.

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) December 14, 2025

Police forces around the world are increasing security at public Hanukkah events following Sunday’s deadly terror attack in Sydney, which authorities said targeted the Jewish community.

In New York, the NYPD said it is deploying additional resources to public Hanukkah celebrations and synagogues “out of an abundance of caution.”

London’s Metropolitan Police said there is no information suggesting a direct link between the Sydney attack and the threat level in the UK, but confirmed it will step up its presence, conduct extra patrols and engage closely with the Jewish community.

“It is an awful reality that Jewish communities across the world continue to face a higher level of threat,” the Met said in a statement. “As London’s Jewish communities come together to begin the celebration of Hannukah, we know this attack will cause not only deep distress but also heightened concerns about safety.”

In Germany, Berlin police said they will deploy additional officers and strengthen security measures ahead of a Hanukkah event in the capital later on Sunday.

“Even though there are currently no concrete indications of a threat to Berlin following the suspected attack in Australia, we remain vigilant and alert,” Polizei Berlin said on social media.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he is “horrified” by the Bondi Beach shooting.

Posting on X, he wrote, “I am horrified and condemn today’s heinous deadly attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hanukkah. My heart is with the Jewish community worldwide on this first day of Hanukkah, a festival celebrating the miracle of peace and light vanquishing darkness.”

Australia is not accustomed to mass shootings. Following the deadly Port Arthur attack in 1996, in which a lone gunman killed 35 people, the country introduced strict gun control laws.

Purchasing a firearm requires thorough checks, and while gun-related crimes do occur, they are typically targeted and limited in scale.

The Australian Institute of Criminology reported 31 firearm-related homicides in Australia from 2023–24, the latest available data.

Mass attacks remain rare. One of the more recent incidents occurred in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in April 2024, when a man armed with a knife killed six people at the Westfield shopping centre in Bondi Junction. The attacker, who was shot at the scene, had a known history of mental health issues.

Global leaders have condemned the Bondi Beach shooting, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stating that the UK “will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community.”

Writing on X, Starmer said: “The news that the Bondi Beach attack was an antisemitic terrorist attack against Jewish families at a Chanukah event is sickening.” He added that the government is working closely with the CST, the UK’s Jewish security organisation, to support the policing of Chanukah events.

French President Emmanuel Macron said: “In Sydney, an antisemitic terrorist attack struck families gathered to celebrate Hanukkah. We share the pain of the Australian people and will continue to fight relentlessly against antisemitic hatred, which hurts us all, wherever it strikes.”

A man captured in video wrestling a gun from one of the Bondi Beach shooters has been hailed as a “genuine hero” by New South Wales Premier Chris Minns.

Speaking at a Sunday press conference, Minns said, “It’s the most unbelievable scene I’ve ever seen, a man walking up to a gunman who had fired on the community and single-handedly disarming him, putting his own life at risk to save the lives of countless others. That man is a genuine hero, and I’ve no doubt that many people are alive tonight because of his bravery.”

A tragic mass shooting occurred in Sydney's famous Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration today. Multiple lives are feared lost.

Amid the chaos, a video surfaced of a brave man who disarmed the attacker with his bare hands. A true hero. Hoping he is safe and unharmed. Salute.… pic.twitter.com/T6t1c08p6e

— kafi_political (@kafi_political) December 14, 2025

Police have safely removed explosives discovered in a car on Campbell Parade, close to the location where the shooting occurred.

The exclusion zone has been reduced and the area has been declared a crime scene.

Authorities said more than 1,000 people had gathered at Sydney’s Bondi Beach to celebrate Hanukkah when the shooting occurred.

The Australian-Jewish community centre Chabad of Bondi had organised the holiday event, called “Chanukah by the Sea,” describing it as the “perfect family event to celebrate light, warmth, and community.”

The celebration was advertised to include “live entertainment, music, games and fun” for people of all ages.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the “ghastly terrorist attack” at Bondi Beach.

He wrote on X, “On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief. India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and supports the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism.”

Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 14, 2025

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said counter-terrorism authorities will lead a “significant investigation,” adding that “no stone will be left unturned.”

He confirmed that the second suspect is in hospital in serious condition, while the other attacker has died.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said police received multiple reports of gunfire at around 18:47 local time in Archer Park, a grassy area at Bondi Beach.

He confirmed that at least 12 people have died, and 29 others have been taken to hospitals, including two police officers who are in serious condition.

The death toll has risen to 12, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has confirmed.

Police have officially classified the incident as a terrorist attack.

The Bondi Beach shooting in Australia has been officially declared a terrorist incident, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said at a press conference on Sunday.

Lanyon said police are investigating the possibility of a third attacker. He confirmed that two suspects are known: one is dead, and the other is in hospital in a life-threatening condition.

The commissioner urged the community to remain calm, noting that a “significant” investigation is underway.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has condemned the Bondi Beach shooting, calling it a “very cruel attack on Jews.”

The incident occurred during an event marking the first day of Hanukkah. The motive of the attackers remains unclear.

Herzog said, “Our sisters and brothers in Sydney have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Hanukkah on Bondi Beach.”

NSW opposition leader Kellie Sloane described the shooting as a “horrific attack on our community and on our way of life” in a statement.

She said, “No community in this country should live in fear. This is an attack on our shared sense of safety and belonging. Tonight, our community and state stand together, determined that light will overcome darkness.”

New South Wales Police said one of the shooters has been confirmed dead, while the other remains in critical condition.

In a statement, police said 11 people were injured in the attack, including two police officers.

“A number of suspicious items located in the vicinity are being examined by specialist officers and an exclusion zone is in place,” the statement said.

Police added that there have been “no reports” of any other incidents in Sydney linked to the shooting.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the scenes at Sydney’s Bondi Beach were “shocking and distressing” following the shooting at the popular location.

In a statement, Albanese said police and emergency responders were on the ground and working to save lives.

Australian police said 10 people have been killed in the shooting. One of the dead is a man believed to be one of the attackers, while another suspected shooter is in critical condition.

Police said a further 11 people have been reported injured, including two police officers.

UPDATE: A police operation is ongoing after a public place shooting by two men at Bondi Beach earlier today.

Ten people have been confirmed dead, including a man believed to be one of the shooters. The second alleged shooter is in a critical condition.

At this time, a further… https://t.co/lekTjxqf85

— NSW Police Force (@nswpolice) December 14, 2025