Bondi Beach Shooting Live Updates: PM Modi Condemns ‘Ghastly’ Terror Attack in Sydney; 12 Dead, Dozens Injured

A deadly mass shooting at Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday has been declared a terrorist incident, with at least 12 people killed and 29 others injured, including two police officers, authorities confirmed. The attack occurred during public celebrations marking the first day of Hanukkah, prompting officials to describe it as a targeted assault on Sydney’s Jewish community.

New South Wales Police said an improvised explosive device (IED) was recovered from one of the suspects’ vehicles, along with several other suspicious items now under examination. One of the two gunmen was shot dead by police, while the second has been arrested and is reported to be in critical condition.

PM Modi Condemns Attack

The occurrence was vehemently denounced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who termed it a "horrific terror attack" and conveyed his sympathies to the victim's families.

“Building on the tragedy of India, I genuinely feel sorry for the people who were affected by this. India is united with Australia in the fight against terrorism and imposes no ties to the forms in which it operates,” said Modi in a post on X.

Attack Declared Terror Incident

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that the shooting has been formally classified as a terrorist act. Police believe the attackers deliberately targeted crowds gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event, which was attended by hundreds of people.

Premier Chris Minns said the assault was “designed to target Jewish Australians” and warned that the death toll could rise as several victims remain in critical condition.

Political and International Reactions

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence, describing the scenes as “beyond comprehension,” and convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee. He also reached out to Australia’s Jewish community, assuring them of full government support.

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog called the shooting a “cruel antisemitic attack” and urged Australia to combat what he described as a growing wave of antisemitism.

Eyewitness Accounts and Investigation

The witnesses' accounts were filled with chaos and panic, and the sound of gunshots was piped through a few intervals of minutes. Some reports mentioned the use of semi-automatic rifles by two gunmen wearing black. A scenario of one of the attackers being pinned down and disarmed by a bystander in a dramatic way is still circulating on the internet through the videos.

The police have opened up the investigation and made a public appeal for any mobile phone or dashcam footage that could prove beneficial. Security measures have been intensified throughout Sydney, particularly around the places of worship and other areas where people congregate.

The officials have promised to keep the public informed about the progress of the investigation.