Tasmanian political leaders have joined their national colleagues in condemning this evening’s deadly shooting near a Jewish gathering at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
Multiple fatalities have been reported after at least two men opened fire into a crowd, with authorities confirming two people are now in custody and there is no longer an active threat.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff expressed his sympathy for those affected by the violence.
“Heartbreaking scenes from Bondi tonight. Tasmania’s thoughts are with the victims, first responders and all affected by this senseless attack,” Rockliff said.
Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley, who was a witness to a deadly stabbing at the nearby Bondi Junction shopping centre in April 2024, condemned this evening’s shooting as a targeted attack.
“Unbelievable. Clearly, targeting our Jewish community. First day of Hanukkah. This is so Un-Australian,” he said.
“We can and we must do better. There is no place for racism or hatred in our country,” Blomeley said.
Eyewitnesses described seeing two men, one dressed in black, firing high-powered weapons into the crowd, forcing hundreds of beachgoers to flee the area.
Police quickly established a blockade on Campbell Parade at South Bondi as dozens of NSW Police vehicles and ambulances arrived at the scene.
At least 10 people have been confirmed dead, while at least 12 have been injured.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he is “working with NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed”.
“The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing. Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected,” he said.
The attack represents the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre east of Hobart, where 35 people lost their lives.
