Australia: Several shots rang out on iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday. Officers arrested two people, NSW Police confirmed on X.
It also asked people to avoid the area and take shelter as it responded to an “developing incident” at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
“Two people are in police custody at Bondi Beach; however, the police operation is ongoing and we continue to urge people to avoid the area. Please follow ALL police instructions. Do not cross police lines,” NSW Police said.
Videos that appeared on X appeared to suggest that people on Bondi Beach had scattered, as several gunshots and police sirens could be heard. Another video showed two men being held face down on a small pedestrian bridge by uniformed police, with officers apparently trying to resuscitate one of them.
(Mint could not verify the authenticity of the footage)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s spokesman said authorities were aware of the active security situation in Bondi and urged people in the area to follow the instructions of NSW Police, Reuters reported.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reacts
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the scenes in Bondi were “shocking and disturbing” and noted that police and emergency workers were on the scene working to save lives, the report said.
He said his thoughts were with everyone affected and confirmed he had spoken to the AFP commissioner and the New South Wales Premier. He added that authorities were working closely with NSW Police and would provide further updates as more information was confirmed and urged people in the area to follow NSW Police advice.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported several people were injured, and footage broadcast by Sky and ABC showed individuals lying on the ground.
Harry Wilson, a 30-year-old local who saw the shooting, told the Herald: “I saw at least 10 people on the ground and blood everywhere.”
Alex Ryvchin, co-chairman of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, told Sky News the shooting occurred during a beach event marking the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, which began at sundown.
He stated: “This is the best Jewish community that has come together to celebrate a happy occasion. If we were to be targeted like this, it is something on a scale that none of us could ever comprehend. It is a terrible thing.” Alex added that his media advisor was injured in the attack.
The incident comes almost 11 years after a lone gunman took 18 people hostage at Sydney’s Lindt Cafe, an ordeal that ended after a 16-hour standoff in which two hostages and the attacker were killed.
