Gunmen kill 11, wound many on Sydney beach

Two gunmen shot dead at least 11 people and wounded another 29 on Sunday during a Jewish ceremony at Bondi Beach in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

One gunman was fatally shot by local police and the other arrested, Australian authorities said, as they declared the mass shooting a terrorist attack based on the event targeted and the weapons used.

"This attack was designed to target Sydney's Jewish community," said Chris Minns, premier of New South Wales state, at a news conference in the evening.

Mal Lanyon, the state's police commissioner, said the injured include two police officers, who were in critical condition.

"We know that there were many people to celebrate a happy occasion. And there were well over 1,000 people when this took place. As a result of the circumstances of the incident tonight, ... I declare this to be a terrorist incident," Lanyon said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the Bondi Beach shooting as a "dark moment" for the country, calling for national unity and a swift, comprehensive response, as authorities worked to save lives and bring those responsible to justice.

"There has been a devastating terrorist incident at Bondi at the 'Hanukkah by the Sea' celebration. This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith," he said.

"Every Australian tonight will be, like me, devastated by this attack on our way of life. There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation," he added.

Albanese said that the police and security agencies will work "to determine anyone associated with this outrage" and "agencies will provide you with factual updates as quickly as possible as they continue to emerge".

The Australian Federal Police said they are making joint counterterrorism arrangements with the local police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organization.

"We'll put all resources we can, all our specialist powers, all our specialist resources toward ensuring that this matter is investigated as thoroughly as possible," said Nigel Ryan, acting commissioner of the Australian Federal Police.

At the time of the incident, the beach was crowded with people, including families with children, and swimmers enjoying the cool waters after a hot summer day.

Dramatic footage, apparently filmed by a member of the public and broadcast on Australian television channels, showed a bystander tackling and disarming one of the gunmen. The attacker is then seen walking away. In the same video, another shooter is seen on top of a bridge, 50 to 100 meters away, shooting at the bystander.

Shortly after the shooting, police located a vehicle in Campbell Parade at Bondi, which they believe was carrying several improvised explosive devices, according to Australian Broadcasting Corp.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, New South Wales Police urged members of the public to avoid the Bondi Beach area, noting that a police operation is ongoing. The message advised those already in the area to take shelter until further information became available.

Safety advisory issued

The Chinese Consulate General in Sydney issued a safety advisory for Chinese nationals following the shooting.

In the notice posted on the consulate's official WeChat account, it advised Chinese citizens living in New South Wales to closely monitor the local security situation, heighten personal safety awareness, take appropriate precautions, and keep mobile communications open.

They were also advised to immediately call local police and emergency services if they encountered any danger.

Contact the writers at xinxin@chinadaily.com.cn