Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: At least 12 people were killed after gunfire erupted in two separate shooting incidents in Sydney on Sunday, with police confirming multiple casualties, arrests and injuries across the city.
A man has been taken into custody following a shooting spree in Sydney’s Inner West, where police believe dozens of rounds were fired into a public street. According to an AFP report, authorities confirmed that at least 12 people, including one of the shooters, died in the incident. Reports said one of the two gunmen involved in the firing is among the dead, and one of the shooters has been identified as Naveed Akra.
Police said between 50 and 100 shots were discharged during the attack, New South Wales Police Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry told reporters. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as “shocking and distressing”.
About two hours after the shooting, officers raided a unit above a commercial premises and arrested a 60-year-old man. The suspect was later taken to hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the arrest. New South Wales Police said operations in the area remain ongoing.
In a separate incident, gunfire was reported at Sydney’s Bondi Beach later on Sunday. Reuters said at least 13 people were injured, while the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, citing a police spokesperson, reported that 12 people were hurt in the beach shooting. Media reports said two people have been taken into custody in connection with the Bondi incident.
Police said one man later arrived at a hospital on his own with a gunshot wound and is in serious condition. Another 19 people were treated for injuries caused by shrapnel or shattered glass, with 13 requiring hospitalisation.
Australian media outlets, cited by Reuters, reported that several injured people were seen lying on the ground after the shootings. A witness told ABC that loud gunshots were followed by flashes, sparks and smoke, describing the scene as “like something out of a movie.”
An event planned to mark the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah was scheduled to take place at Bondi Beach, according to an online flyer for Chanuka by the Sea 2025, cited by NBC News. The flyer said the gathering was to be held near the beach’s children’s playground from 5.00 pm local time on Sunday. Organised by the Jewish centre Chabad of Bondi, the event advertised live entertainment, music, games and activities for all ages.
Reacting to the incident, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog condemned what he called a “cruel” shooting attack and urged the Australian government to act against rising antisemitism.
“Our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Hanukkah,” Herzog said at an event, according to the Times of Israel. “We repeat our alerts time and again to the Australian government to seek action and fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society.”
