Sydney beach shooting kills 16, injures 40 during Hanukkah celebration

At least 16 people, including children, were killed 40 were injured in the shooting that occurred during a public Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, Australian authorities said.

Police in New South Wales confirmed that an investigation is underway and that three firearms were recovered at the scene, per Caliber.Az.

The latest BBC report on the matter revealed that two gunmen—a father and son duo—opened fire on a crowd of around 1,000 people gathered in Archer Park near the beachfront, in what Australian authorities have declared a targeted antisemitic incident.

The ABC broadcaster reported that the victims sustained injuries of varying severity.

New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park said that four children were among the wounded. He noted that more than 100 emergency personnel, including paramedics, specialist units and general practitioners, were mobilised at nearby hospitals immediately after reports of the shooting emerged.

Local media reported that a 43-year-old fruit shop owner, identified as Ahmed al-Ahmed, helped neutralise one of the attackers using his bare hands. He also sustained injuries and was hospitalised.

“He is in hospital, and we don’t yet know his condition,” a relative told reporters, describing al-Ahmed as a hero and expressing hope for his recovery.

Earlier, Australian law enforcement officers arrested two men during raids in the Bonnyrigg area of southwestern Sydney in connection with the shooting.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the arrests were carried out on Brown Street as part of the ongoing investigation.