At least 10 people died, and multiple others were injured after two gunmen opened fire at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday, the venue where a Jewish event was scheduled to take place.
NSW Police Force confirmed that two people have been taken into custody following the shooting.
“Two people are in police custody at Bondi Beach; however, the police operation is ongoing and we continue to urge people to avoid the area,” police wrote on X.
According to local media reports, a Chanukah by the Sea event was scheduled to take place at the venue.
Chanukah, or Hanukkah, is an eight-day Jewish festival of lights.
Eyewitnesses said people saved children from the shooters by using benches.
Heather Nolan, an eyewitness, told ABC while sheltering in a changing room at Bondi Beach.
“There was a wooden bench. I moved it and put my kids behind the bench. Then someone came and sat down next to us who was bleeding,” she said.
“I don’t know what happened to him because somebody opened the door to the change room and ushered people inside,” she said.
An eyewitness told the news channel that he shielded his family from the shooters as best as he could and ran from the area.
He said the shooting seemed to last about 10 minutes, and described it as “absolute hell on Earth”.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reacted to the development and described the event as ‘shocking and distressing’.
“Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives,” he said.
“My thoughts are with every person affected,” he said.
“I have just spoken to the AFP Commissioner and with the NSW Premier. We are working with the NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed. I urge people in the vicinity to follow information from the NSW Police,” he said in the statement.
