At least 12 killed in Bondi Beach terrorist mass shooting - police
At least 12 people are dead — including a gunman — and 11 injured after two men opened fire at a Jewish event on Sydney's Bondi Beach, in scenes of terror and disbelief on Sunday night.
One of the gunman remains in police custody while the other was killed in the unfolding horror, according to local police. Two police officers were among the injured.
Video shows man wrestling gun from person amid Bondi shooting — Watch on TVNZ+
Police are also working to disarm a suspected explosive device in the area.
A massive police and ambulance response remains ongoing after authorities responded to reports of shooters firing at a crowd gathered beside the beach about 6.40pm Sydney time (around 8.40pm NZ time), on Sunday evening.
A number of "suspicious devices" have been found in the aftermath of the shooting where hundreds of people had gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event to celebrate the start of the Hannukah Jewish festival.
Authorities in an update described the attack as a terrorist attack.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described it as "an act of evil antisemitism, terrorism, that has struck the heart of our nation" in a media conference from Parliament House in Canberra.
"An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian. Every Australian tonight will be, like me, devastated by this attack on our way of life. There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation," he said.
"Let me be clear: We will eradicate it. Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity where Australians across the board will embrace their fellow Australians of Jewish faith."
Albanese says terrorist attack that's killed 12 is 'beyond comprehension' - Watch on TVNZ+
NSW Premier Chris Minns said: "This cowardly act of terrifying violence is shocking and painful to see, and represents some of our worst fears about terrorism in Sydney.
"This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community. On the first day of Hanukah. What should have been a night of peace and joy, celebrated in that community with families and supporters, has been shattered by this horrifying, evil attack."
Police said investigations were underway to see if there was a third offender involved.
New Zealand leaders have expressed shock and horror over the killings in Australia, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon saying: "We're family".
Sunday's shooting at Bondi Beach is the deadliest in Australia since the Port Arthur attack rocked the nation. In 1996, 35 people were killed, and scores were hurt, when a lone gunman opened fire at a historic site in Tasmania.
'After today, I don't feel safe anymore'
In extraordinary footage obtained by 9News, a man can be seen lunging at one of the alleged gunmen, overpowering him and taking his weapon.
The man was seen keeping the weapon pointed at the suspect before the gunman runs away. In the background, a second shooter appears to continue firing from the bridge.
Read More Here: 1news.co.nz
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