Bloody attack on Bondi Beach, Indiscriminate firing on Jewish community, 12 killed
Shots targeting Jews celebrating Hanukkah on Bondi Beach, Australia, caused widespread panic. Twelve people were killed, dozens injured, and the area was sealed off.
Bondi Beach, one of the world’s most famous tourist spots in Sydney, Australia, was plunged into panic on Sunday afternoon when indiscriminate firing suddenly broke out on the Jewish community celebrating Hanukkah. Twelve people have been confirmed dead in this horrific attack, while dozens are reported to be seriously injured. The incident sent panic throughout the area, with people fleeing for safety.
According to eyewitnesses, around 2,000 members of the Jewish community were involved in the religious ritual by lighting candles at Bondi Beach. The program was going on peacefully, when suddenly two armed attackers reached the spot and started firing indiscriminately at the crowd. Upon hearing the gunfire, people on the beach screamed and ran for safety. Some took cover in nearby restaurants and shops.
New South Wales Police confirmed the incident and said two suspects were taken into police custody at Bondi Beach. Police said security forces acted swiftly to bring the situation under control. One attacker was killed during the encounter, while the other was hospitalized with serious injuries. However, the police operation is still ongoing and the entire area has been placed on high alert.
The New South Wales Ambulance Service was called to the scene shortly after the incident at around 6:45 pm (local time). Ambulance officials said that many of the injured were given first aid on the spot, while the seriously injured were admitted to nearby hospitals. Emergency has been declared in hospitals and additional teams of doctors have been deployed.
Police have described the incident as an “escalating and serious situation” and urged people to stay away from Bondi Beach and surrounding areas. Police issued repeated alerts on the social media platform X, urging those at the scene to seek shelter and avoid crossing police lines. Several sections of the beach and surrounding roads have been sealed off for security reasons.
Several videos of the attack are rapidly going viral on social media. The footage shows people fleeing in panic, gunfire, and police sirens blaring. A video showing several bodies lying on North Bondi Beach has shocked the entire nation.
Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan also narrowly escaped the attack. He reportedly escaped by hiding in a nearby restaurant. Michael Vaughan posted on social media that he was safe, but the scenes he witnessed were extremely scary.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his deep condolences over the incident. Posting on Twitter, he said, “What happened at Bondi Beach is deeply shocking and tragic.” The Prime Minister expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured them that the perpetrators would be punished severely. He said Australia stands united against violence and hatred.
One of the suspects arrested in connection with the attack has been identified as Naveed Akram, 24. According to police, Naveed worked as a mason in western Sydney and had recently lost his job. However, it is not yet clear whether the attacker killed in the encounter is the same person or another suspect. Police are conducting a thorough investigation and have not ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack.
The first person killed in the terror attack has been identified as Jewish religious leader Rabbi Eli Schlanger. His death has caused deep grief in the Jewish community. Meanwhile, leaders around the world, including New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, have strongly condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Australia.
This attack on Bondi Beach is a reminder not only to Australia but to the entire world of how quickly hatred and violence can make any society unsafe. At present, the entire country is in an atmosphere of mourning and anger, while the security agencies are busy in exposing the conspiracy and network behind this attack.
Following the horrific Bondi Beach incident, Australia is trying to understand how and why the attack occurred. Police officials said the motive behind Saturday’s violent attack remains unclear. Initial investigations indicate the attacker suffered from serious mental health issues. However, the police have clarified that the investigation is taking all possible angles into account. A total of six people were killed in the attack, while several others were injured. Questions have been raised about security and mental health systems across the country.
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