No fewer than 11 people, including children, have been reported dead after two gunmen armed with rifles opened fire at Bondi Beach, in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday afternoon, with hundreds of beachgoers fleeing for their lives.
As reported by the Daily Mail, onlookers claimed that two individuals exited a car on Campbell Parade, close to Bondi Pavilion, and began shooting around 6.40pm on Sunday, with videos capturing numerous gunshots on the popular strip. Several witnesses stated that over 30 gunshots were heard.
Images and footage captured by a Daily Mail photographer captured a shooter, later recognized as 24-year-old Naveed Akram from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s southwest, firing from an overhead bridge.
Akram was allegedly shot and taken into custody and is currently receiving care from emergency services, while the other gunman has been killed.
Police are also allegedly raiding Akram’s residence in Bonnyrigg while a crowd observes from the sidewalk.
A video has surfaced from the Bondi Beach terror attack depicting a hero sneaking up behind one of the gunmen and successfully taking his rifle from him.
The footage captures the man stealthily approaching one of the gunmen in the car park at the northern part of the beach before tackling him to the ground.
The man subsequently brandishes a rifle in front of the gunman. The shooter then walks off, and the hero lets go of the rifle.
A Hanukkah festival called Chanukah by the Sea, promoted as an evening of family enjoyment, was occurring with children present at the event when the gunmen, one of whom was on a terror watchlist and known to officials, began shooting.
NSW Premier Chris Minns reportedly confirmed in a late Sunday press conference that 12 individuals lost their lives, indicating that the attack was aimed at the Jewish community, as a celebration called ‘Chanukah by the Sea’ was occurring when the shooters began firing.
As many as 29 people were injured, including two police officers in critical condition and a child, and were transported to different hospitals across Sydney.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon was said to have officially classified the assault as a terrorist event.
Likewise, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is said to have denounced the shooting, which was identified as a terrorist act.
“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.
“An act of evil antisemitism and terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation… An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian,” he was quoted as saying.
The report stated that it was verified late Sunday night that several suspicious objects were discovered near the bridge where the shooters discharged gunfire, including an improvised explosive device.
The bomb squad specialists reportedly removed the IED and took it away in an armored vehicle.
An abandoned black and white flag was spotted on the hood of a silver Honda at the location, though its significance remains unclear.
Authorities have begun looking into the possibility of a third individual being involved in the terror attack.
