Tougher gun laws pledged after Bondi Beach terror attack — as it happened

23h ago7:39am

Anthony Albanese: 'What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says yesterday's attack was "an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores".

"This was an attack deliberately targeted at the Jewish community. On the first day of Hanukkah, which of course should be a joyous celebration, and the Jewish community are hurting today. Today, all Australians wrap our arms around them and say we stand with you.

"We will do whatever is necessary to stamp out antisemitism. It is a scourge and we'll eradicate it together."

Albanese thanks the first responders, including ordinary citizens who jumped into action yesterday.

"People rush in towards danger to show the best of the Australian character. That's who we are. People who stand up for our values."

The prime minister says flags will fly at half-mast across the country today, and thanks world leaders like US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer who have reached out to offer sympathy.

— Alex Gallagher

23h ago7:33am

Minns says people can help by donating blood

NSW Premier Chris Minns says if people are looking for a practical way to help, they can give blood.

"If you're thinking about doing an act of public service in the coming 24 hours, I urge you to contact the Red Cross and do that piece of public-mindedness, that piece of public spiritedness."

You can find a place to donate blood here.

— Alex Gallagher

23h ago7:30am

Prime Minister, Chris Minns and police speaking

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns and NSW Police commissioner Mal Lanyon are speaking at a joint press conference.

Minns reiterated that 16 people had been killed in the shooting, including one perpetrator. He said 42 people were in NSW hospitals overnight, and the victims range in age from 10 to 87.

"The Jewish community in New South Wales are absolutely devastated this morning. It's our responsibility to wrap our arms around that wounded community, and let them know that ordinary Australians, regular Australians, are in their corner and thinking of them this morning after this terrible, terrible targeted attack on what should've been a joyful event they have every right to share with their community on Bondi Beach last night.

"We need to send a strong and clear repudiation of antisemitism in all of its forms. All of its forms. There's no tolerance for racism or Jewish hatred in New South Wales or Australia and we need to be clear and unambiguous that we'll fight it everywhere we see it."

— Alex Gallagher

23h ago7:18am

King Charles condemns shooting, offers condolences

King Charles has issued a statement, condemning "the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack".

"Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community.

"We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy."

Full statement here:

— Sam Dover

23h ago7:09am

Trump and Netanyahu react to Bondi shooting

US President Donald Trump has offered his condolences to the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting.

"That was a terrible attack ... an antisemitic attack, obviously," Trump said during a Christmas celebration at the White House.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned what he called "cold-blooded murder" and blamed a lack of action against antisemitism in Australia.

He said he wrote Prime Minister Anthony Albanese a letter a few months ago warning him his policy was "encouraging antisemitism in Australia".

"You let the disease spread and the result is the horrific attacks on Jews we saw today."

— Sam Dover

1 day ago15 Dec 6:55am

NSW Police confirm 16 people have died, including a child

NSW Police have confirmed 16 people have died in the Bondi mass shooting, with 40 remaining in hospital.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said a child is now among the dead after they were taken to Sydney Children's Hospital for treatment.

He told Channel 7's Sunrise program several of those in hospital remain in a critical condition.

"Gunshot injuries, they are extensive and explosive by nature. They do incredible damage. Head injuries, upper torso injuries, this has [been a] shocking incident … their injuries are catastrophic," Park said.

NSW Police said Bondi Beach and surrounding roads will be closed today as investigators continue to work through the crime scene.

— Sam Dover

1 day ago15 Dec 6:49am

British-born Rabbi confirmed by his family as among those killed

Rabbi Eli Schlanger is one of the victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting, his family has confirmed on social media overnight.

He was one of the organisers of the "Chanukah by the Sea" event, which marked the first day of Hanukkah.

His cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis, announced the 41-year-old father of five's death in an Instagram post.

"My dear cousin, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, was murdered in today's terrorist attack in Sydney. He leaves behind his wife and young children, as well as my uncle and aunt and siblings," he wrote.

"He was truly an incredible guy."

— Sam Dover

1 day ago15 Dec 6:45am

'Worst fears of the Australian Jewish community becoming reality': Antisemitism envoy

Australia's antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal has released a statement decrying the violence seen at Bondi yesterday, saying it marks "the worst fear of the Australian Jewish community becoming reality".

"A peaceful Chanukah gathering at Bondi Beach was attacked. Images emerging tonight are chilling and echo the horrors Australians hoped they would never see here.

"To ordinary Australians, this moment demands clarity. What once seemed distant or uncomfortable can no longer be ignored. Taunts from the Opera House steps, synagogues set alight and now massacres at a celebration form a clear pattern."

— Sam Dover

1 day ago15 Dec 6:31am

Welcome to our live blog

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the aftermath of the Bondi Beach mass shooting.

Here is what we know so far:

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said four more people were confirmed dead overnight, bringing the total to 16, including a 12-year-old child.
Authorities have confirmed one of the shooters is among the dead. The other shooter is in police custody, and police are investigating whether a potential third offender could be involved.
Forty people are being treated in hospital for injuries, with two police officers among the injured.
Several improvised explosive devices were found at the scene, located in a car linked to the deceased offender. Police say they've removed the devices which have been taken to another location inside an armoured vehicle.
NSW Police commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed the shooting as a terrorist incident, citing the timing of the event on the first night of Hanukkah, the types of weapons, and the explosive devices found at the scene.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the attack, calling it a "targeted attack on Jewish Australians" and told Jewish Australians the country stands with them.

Readers seeking crisis support can ring Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged up to 25). More information and support with mental health is available at beyondblue.org.au and on 1300 22 4636.

— Sam Dover

National Cabinet pledges tougher gun laws after Bondi Beach terror attack — as it happened

National Cabinet also "pledged to eradicate antisemitism, hate, violence and terrorism".

Anthony Albanese: 'What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil'

Minns says people can help by donating blood

Prime Minister, Chris Minns and police speaking

King Charles condemns shooting, offers condolences

Trump and Netanyahu react to Bondi shooting

NSW Police confirm 16 people have died, including a child

British-born Rabbi confirmed by his family as among those killed

'Worst fears of the Australian Jewish community becoming reality': Antisemitism envoy

Welcome to our live blog

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National Cabinet pledges tougher gun laws after Bondi Beach terror attack — as it happened

National Cabinet also "pledged to eradicate antisemitism, hate, violence and terrorism".

Anthony Albanese: 'What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil'

Minns says people can help by donating blood

Prime Minister, Chris Minns and police speaking

King Charles condemns shooting, offers condolences

Trump and Netanyahu react to Bondi shooting

NSW Police confirm 16 people have died, including a child

British-born Rabbi confirmed by his family as among those killed

'Worst fears of the Australian Jewish community becoming reality': Antisemitism envoy

Welcome to our live blog

previous

3of3

next

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