At least eleven killed in Australia shooting during Jewish festival

By Nathan Morley

At least eleven people have been killed and several others wounded in a shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Jewish holiday celebration. Though investigations continue, police believe two men were involved in the shooting.  One of the dead is thought to have been a gunman, while another suspect is in critical condition. 

Investigators are examining whether a possible third assailant may have been involved. Authorities said an improvised explosive device was found at the scene but did not detonate. Officials described the situation as an ongoing police operation.

Meanwhile, the head of Australia’s Jewish community council called the attack “a tragedy that was predictable.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised emergency workers and described the mass shooting as “shocking and distressing,” noting that such incidents are rare in Australia. “The evil unleashed today at Bondi Beach is beyond comprehension,” he said.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on X that “deeply distressing news is reaching us from Australia,” adding that the United Kingdom sends condolences to all those affected by the “horrific attack.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed condolences, condemning violence and antisemitism and calling the assault a source of “deep sorrow.” She said Italy stands with the victims, their families, the Jewish community and the Australian people.

The Muslim Council of Elders, meanwhile, "strongly condemned" the mass shooting, calling for the strengthening of "international efforts to combat hate speech, extremism, and racism, while also addressing the root causes of such reprehensible violence, by promoting dialogue and mutual respect".

In Rome, the Community of Sant'Egidio, a Catholic lay movement, said that the Jewish 'festival of lights' had been "turned into a nightmare, not only for Australia, but for all of us."

"This serious attack makes us reflect on the climate of hatred that has crept into our societies," the movement said in a statement. "We must stamp out these feelings of violent opposition."

*Numbers accurate as of 14:00 Rome time