Bondi Beach terror attack: everything we know so far

At least twelve people have been confirmed dead after two gunmen opened fire on Sydney’s Bondi Beach.

Around 29 beachgoers have been taken to hospital with injuries, police have confirmed.

The attack unfolded today at around 6.45pm local time (7.45am in the UK) during a family Chanukah event organised by the local Chabad.

One of the victims of the terror attack was confirmed to be Rabbi Eli Schlanger.

Here’s the timeline of the incident so far:

Where did the attack take place?

Reports of gunshots were first received by police on Bondi Beach at 6.47pm today.

One of Sydney’s best known coastal spots, Bondi Beach is popular with both expats and tourists.

The attack occurred just as a ‘Chanukah by the sea’ event got underway to mark the first night of the eight-day Jewish festival of light.

The family event, near a children’s playground, included games, activities and the traditional menorah lighting.

Clips emerged of crowds suddenly running off the beach as gunshots were heard.

How many have been killed?

More than 1,000 people were reported to be on the beach at the time of the shooting.

A total of twelve people have been confirmed dead, including one of the gunmen.

Among them was assistant Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was helping lead the Chanukah event.

So far, 29 people, including two police officers, have been taken to various local hospitals to be treated for injuries.

The other attacker is currently in a critical condition.

What do we know about the attackers?

One of the shooters has been declared dead following the incident.

The other sustained ‘critical injuries’ during the attack.

A video showed a civilian wrestling a gun off one of the attackers before aiming the gun back at him.

Another clip showed a opening fire while standing on a bridge.

Police also discovered several ‘improvised’ explosives were found in a car relating to one of the gunmen, which are being attended to by a bomb disposal unit.

New South Wales Police said the deceased offender was known to the force but that there had been no ‘specific threat’ linked with him.

What have police said?

Mal Lanyon, the police commissioner for New South Wales, declared the attack a terrorist incident and authorised special powers for an investigation into a possible third offender.

At about 6.47pm this evening, police started to receive a number of reports of shots fired at Archer Park at Bondi.

He said ‘Archer Park is a grassed area just north of the Bondi pavilion. Police responded promptly.

‘Unfortunately, at least 12 people are deceased at this time, 29 people have been transported to various hospitals around the Sydney area, including two police officers.

‘The condition of those officers and the other transported are serious, but there is a range of conditions.

‘Our thoughts, prayers and love go to all the families and all of those that were involved tonight, we know that there were many people there to celebrate a happy occasion, the celebration of Hannukah.

‘And there was well over 1,000 people there when this took place. As a result of the circumstances of the incident tonight I declared this to be a terrorist incident.’

What is the reaction from political and faith leaders?

Australian PM Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as a ‘an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism’.

He said: ‘There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear, we will eradicate it.

‘Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity where Australians across the board will embrace their fellow Australians of Jewish faith at this dark moment for our nation.

‘Our police and security agencies are working to determine anyone associated with this outrage.’

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the scenes were ‘deeply shocking and distressing’ and urged Britons in Sydney to follow the advice of local authorities.

Chris Minns, the premier of New South Wales, said his heart ‘bleeds’ for Australia’s Jewish community.

‘I can only imagine the pain that they’re feeling right now to see their loved ones killed as they celebrate this ancient holiday’, he said.

‘It’s a responsibility of all Australians to wrap their arms around Australia’s Jewish community and help them get through this incredibly difficult period.’

He added: ‘Tonight, saw extraordinary acts of personal courage and bravery from individuals in our community.

“And I think it’s worth remembering that in all of this evil, in all of this sadness, there are still wonderful, brave Australians that are prepared to risk their lives to help a complete stranger.’

The Board of Deputies of British Jews said it was ‘devastated’ by the attack.

It said in a statement: ‘While details emerge, we have been in touch with our Australian partners at the Executive Council of Australian Jewry to express our solidarity and offer our support.

‘We have also been in touch with the UK Government, who are monitoring the situation closely, to discuss the UK response.

‘The scourges of terrorism and antisemitism are shared, international challenges and need concerted and determined action to defeat them.’

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