UPDATE: A tragic shooting incident at Bondi Beach has left 12 people dead and 29 injured, as gunfire erupted during the Chanukah by the Sea celebration on December 10, 2023. The joyous gathering was abruptly shattered when gunmen opened fire from a pedestrian bridge at approximately 6:47 PM, turning a night meant for “peace and joy” into chaos.
Witnesses initially mistook the gunshots for festive fireworks, but panic quickly ensued as families and tourists fled for safety. NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed his horror at the violence, emphasizing that such a celebration should never be marred by tragedy.
Among those present was Catherine Merchant, who described the moment of terror: “Everyone was just running and there were bullets… we were really scared.” Merchant, a local resident, recounted her deep connection to Bondi Beach, stating, “It was the most perfect day and then this happened.”
The chaos unfolded as attendees scrambled for cover. A local security guard, known only as Vlaj, revealed that he shielded his eight-year-old son from the gunfire. “Probably 50, 60 gunshots. It was non-stop,” he told Sky News. After the shooting ceased, he attempted to assist wounded victims, many of whom were familiar faces from the community.
Eyewitness accounts illustrate the confusion and fear that engulfed Bondi Beach. A French tourist, enjoying his second day in Australia, found himself in the line of fire just moments after entering the water. A British resident nearby, engaged in a video call with family, initially believed he was hearing fireworks until his relatives urged him to seek refuge in his wardrobe.
As the sound of gunfire echoed across the beach, local businesses opened their doors to provide shelter for those fleeing the scene. “The buses were jam-packed, people trying to squeeze in, just running for their lives,” one witness recounted.
Authorities are actively investigating the shooting, with NSW Police urging anyone with information to come forward. As the community grapples with this shocking violence, questions remain about the motives behind the attack and the safety of public events in the future.
The aftermath of this tragic event is expected to stir discussions on security measures and community safety. As updates continue to unfold, the Bondi Beach community is left to mourn and seek answers in the wake of this horrific incident.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
