Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has expressed his dismay at the shooting deaths of 12 people as members of Sydney’s Jewish community gathered to mark Hanukkah at the iconic location of Bondi Beach overnight.
In an online statement, the Prime Minister said he was shocked by the mass shooting.
“Australia and New Zealand are closer than friends, we’re family,” said Mr Luxon.
“I am shocked by the distressing scenes at Bondi, a place that Kiwis visit every day.
“My thoughts, and the thoughts of all New Zealanders, are with those affected.”
As of (AEST) 11pm last night, 12 people had been confirmed dead in the shooting event, including a man believed to be one of the shooters. The second alleged shooter is in a critical condition.
Twenty-nine people were transported to hospital with injuries as a result of the attack, including two NSW Police officers.
NSW Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon last night declared the event a terrorist incident, activating special powers for Police and related State and Australian counter terrorism agencies.
In a statement, NSW Police said emergency services were called to Campbell Parade – the busy retail and hospitality outlet street that runs parallel with the famous shoreline – in Bondi at around 6.45pm on Sunday, responding to reports of shots being fired.
Police believe two men opened fire on festival goers from a pedestrian bridge which connects Campbell Parade to the beach and pavilion area.
Footage captured by a bystander showed a member of the public approaching and disarming one of the shooters, who then retreats to the footbridge and obtains another weapon.
After around nine minutes of gunfire, the two shooters were taken into Police custody on the pedestrian bridge – one dead and one critically injured.
Following the shooting, Police also confirmed a number of suspicious items, including a pipe bomb, were located in the vicinity.
Police executed a search warrant on a home in the western Sydney suburb of Bonnyrigg following the shooting, believed to be the home of one of the alleged shooters.
In a statement following the shooting, the Jewish Council of Australia said members were “horrified and shaken”.
“This is the first night of Chanukah when we gather with loved ones and friends to light the Chanukiah. Many within our community have just received the worst news of their lives. Others are caring for injured loved ones, and some are still waiting to hear that their families are safe,” the Council said.
“To be confronted with this horrific act of antisemitic violence during the Jewish festival of light and hope is shattering. In moments like this, we hold each other close.
“We should all be able to gather with our communities, practice our culture, and worship in safety.
“Our hearts are with our friends, family, fellow community members and everyone impacted by this terrifying event.”
