Australia: Twelve killed in gun attack targeting Jewish community

Summary

Global News Podcast – Special Edition

Episode Title: Australia: Twelve killed in gun attack targeting Jewish community
Host: Janak Jalil, BBC World Service
Date: December 14, 2025

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Main Theme or Purpose

This special episode urgently reports on the mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, which targeted the Jewish community during Hanukkah celebrations. The podcast covers immediate facts, police responses, eyewitness accounts, governmental reactions, and explores the broader implications for Australia and the global fight against anti-Semitic violence.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Attack Overview and Immediate Aftermath

• At least 12 people killed (including one gunman), 29 injured—with two police officers among the seriously wounded.
• The shooting took place at a crowded Hanukkah event, attended by hundreds.
• Attackers: Two men, one killed, one in custody; police investigating the possibility of a third suspect.
• Videos show chaos and panic, with one attacker firing from a pedestrian bridge ([01:08]).

2. Eyewitness Accounts

• Multiple people describe panic, fear, the chaos of fleeing, and dramatic scenes of injury ([02:28]–[03:18]).
  • Quote, Witness: “I went for a smoke and then the shooting starts and everyone is running down. Had two police officers lying down on the ground next to me. I fall down and the blood was coming from my hand.” ([02:28])
  • Another witness: “We were walking closer and closer, we just saw a herd of people coming towards us yelling there's a gunman ... We just started running with the herd as well.” ([02:42])

3. Police Response & Investigation

• A terrorist incident declared by NSW Police; counterterrorism command is leading the investigation.
• Bomb disposal unit deployed after a car with several explosive devices is found ([03:18]).
• Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon provides regular updates:
  • Immediate response by police helped limit casualties ([03:41]).
  • “At least 12 people are deceased at this time ... Our thoughts, prayers and love go to all the families and all of those that were involved tonight.” ([03:41])
  • Ongoing search for a potential third suspect.
  • Community safety is the top priority, with Public Order and Riot Squad deployed city-wide ([07:05])
  • Police coordinated event security with the Jewish community due to heightened anti-Semitic threats ([07:37]).
  • Request for calm and unity: “This is not a time for retribution. This is a time to allow the police to do their duty.” ([06:38])

4. Political & Community Reactions

• NSW Premier Chris Minns:
  • “This attack was designed to target Sydney's Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah. What should have been a night of peace and joy ... has been shattered by this horrifying, evil attack.” ([08:55])
• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
  • “An act of evil, anti-Semitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation. ... There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation.” ([09:36])
• Global reactions:
  • International leaders including Israel’s President Herzog, New Zealand PM Luxon, European Commission President von der Leyen, France’s President Macron, and UK PM Starmer condemn the attack ([14:29]).
    • President Isaac Herzog: “Our sisters and brothers in Sydney ... have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews ... Our heart misses a beat.” ([13:58])

5. Security Context and Gun Laws in Australia

• Historic rarity of mass shootings in Australia due to strict gun laws introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre ([10:20]; [13:07]).
  • Helene Burke (BBC reporter) explains:
    • After Port Arthur, government banned semi-automatic rifles and bought back over 650,000 guns. “Those reforms are regarded as really, really successful and are seen as a big reason why Australia has relatively low gun crime, which makes something like this especially shocking for the country.” ([13:07])
  • Well-coordinated police and Jewish community security present at the event due to known risks ([07:37]; [10:39])

6. Notable Acts of Bravery

• Eyewitness video: A civilian tackles a gunman, disarms him, and attempts to subdue him—hailed as heroic.
  • Helene Burke: "Yeah, it's just exceptional. The man sees the gunman. He runs straight up to him and starts tackling him." ([12:07])
  • Albanese: Those who ran towards danger were “heroes.” ([09:14])

7. Rising Concerns Over Anti-Semitism

• Australian Jewish Association calls the attack tragic but “entirely foreseeable," pointing to rising anti-Semitism ([12:56]).

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Timestamps of Important Segments

| Segment | Description | Timestamp | |---------|-------------|-----------| | Incident recap & witness audio | Host Janak Jalil and witness descriptions | [01:08]–[03:18] | | Police update | NSW Commissioner Mal Lanyon news conference & investigation | [03:41]–[08:47] | | Official reactions | Premier Minns and PM Albanese speak | [08:55]–[10:17] | | Context & analysis | Reporter Helene Burke details; gun laws and implications | [10:39]–[13:48] | | World leaders react | International condemnation & global responses | [13:58]–[14:29] |

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Janak Jalil (host): “Australian police say a mass shooting at Bondi beach in Sydney in which at least 11 people were killed, targeted the Jewish community.” ([01:08])
• Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon: “As a result of the circumstances of the Incident tonight at 9:36pm this evening, I declared this to be a terrorist incident.” ([03:41])
• NSW Premier Chris Minns: “What should have been a night of peace and joy ... has been shattered by this horrifying, evil attack.” ([08:55])
• Prime Minister Albanese: “An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian... There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation.” ([09:36])
• President Herzog: “Our heart misses a beat. The entire nation of Israel misses a beat in this very moment.” ([13:58])
• Helene Burke (on attack rarity): “They also introduced a huge gun buyback scheme… those reforms are regarded as really, really successful… which makes something like this especially shocking for the country.” ([13:07])
• Helene Burke (on bravery): “The man sees the gunman. He runs straight up to him and starts tackling him… So it was an exceptionally brave thing to do.” ([12:07])

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Episode Structure Recap

• [01:08] Breaking News & Facts: Death toll, event context, initial police findings, and direct witness stories.
• [03:41] Official Updates: Investigative status, police preparedness, reassurance of public safety.
• [08:55] Political & Community Voices: Condemnations and solidarity messages.
• [10:39] In-Depth Discussion: Reporter interview, history of gun violence/laws, anti-Semitic context, and security measures.
• [13:58] Global Reaction: World leaders denounce the attack and express support for Jewish communities.

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Tone & Closing

The episode retains a solemn and urgent tone, reflecting both the shock of the attack and the resilience of those responding. Official voices stress unity, calm, and determination to protect the community and uphold national values of safety and tolerance.

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For listener feedback, email [e-mail]. Further updates anticipated in later episodes as the story develops.

Transcript

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Janak Jalil]

This is a special edition of the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Janak Jalil. Australian police say a mass shooting at Bondi beach in Sydney in which at least 11 people were killed, targeted the Jewish community. An event being held on the beach to mark the start of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah was being attended by hundreds of people. World leaders have condemned the attack. Israel's president has described the gunmen as vile terrorists. As we record this special podcast, Australian police have confirmed at least 11 people have been killed in a mass shooting at one of the country's most popular tour tourist sites, Bondi beach in Sydney, and that the attack targeted the Jewish community. Videos posted on social media showed two men dressed in black shirts firing long barreled weapons, one of them on a pedestrian bridge overlooking the beach. One of the attackers was killed, the other one is wounded and in police custody. Nearly 30 other people have been taken to hospitals, among them two police officers who were seriously injured. One witnesses describe the moment the attack began.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

I went for a smoke and then the shooting starts and everyone is running down. Had two police officers lying down on the ground next to me. I fall down and the blood was coming from my hand.

[Janak Jalil]

It's impossible.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

I was holding somebody's child because he was screaming. I was saving this child. We were walking to the beach, super close to the beach and as we were walking closer and closer, we just saw a herd of people coming towards us yelling there's a gunman there's a gunman. Please turn back, turn back, turn back. So natural instinct just kicked in and we just started running with the herd as well. It was quite scary. We heard some gunshots and we could smell the gunpowder as well. So, yeah, it was quite scary. I'm still a bit shaken up by it as well.

[Janak Jalil]

A rescue bomb disposal unit has been deployed to the scene after police found a vehicle which they believe has several improvised explosive devices. New South Wales police have declared the attack to be a terrorist incident and counterterrorism police will lead an investigation into the mass shooting. Shortly before we recorded this podcast, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon gave this update.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

At a news conference about 6:47pm this evening, police started to receive a number of reports of shots fired at Archer park, at Bondi. Archer park is a grassed area just north of the Bondi Pavilion. Police responded promptly. Unfortunately, at least 12 people are deceased at this time. 29 people have been transported to various hospitals around the Sydney area, including two police officers. The condition of those officers and the other transported are serious, but there is a range of conditions. Our thoughts, prayers and love go to all the families and all of those that were involved tonight. We know that there were many people there to celebrate a happy occasion, the celebration of Hanukkah, and there was well over a thousand people there when this took place. As a result of the circumstances of the Incident tonight at 9:36pm this evening, I declared this to be a terrorist incident. I have also authorised special powers under Section 5 and Section 6 to ensure that if there is a third offender, and we are currently investigating that at the moment, we will make sure that we prevent any further activity. As you can imagine, there has been a fair dislocation. Ambulance service responded brilliantly. They've had to convey people right around the city to numerous hospitals. So at this stage we don't have those details. Commissioner, 12 people. Sorry, can I just ask one at a time? Sorry.

[Janak Jalil]

Intelligence about the two shooters, we're working.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Through that at the moment. Obviously, part of the declaration is because I have information about the deceased shooter. It's not something I'm prepared to give at the moment. It will be part of the investigation, but we will work tirelessly through our Counterterrorism command to make sure we investigate all of the circumstances. Commissioner, the 12 people that are deceased, do they include the gunman that is deceased or is the gunman additional to that?

[Janak Jalil]

12?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

We've set up the 12 deceased at the moment. This is a really fluid situation. I would like to provide More certainty. But certainly the numbers that we are talking at the moment include the gunman. Were any children among the deceased at this stage? I don't believe so. However, I do believe that a child was transported to hospital. Again, I don't want to give information that turns out to be incorrect. It is very early. We know that there has been a number of people turn up the hospital. We've had 29 others transported and we know people are still turning up there. Unfortunately, in these sort of circumstances, we get information from a range of areas. We tend to be as safe as we possibly can so that we know that we have two definite offenders. But we want to make sure the community is safe. So we will run down this investigation. The reason that we have so many investigators out tonight is we can make sure that that happens. The fact that we've declared this as a terrorist incident, we've provided special powers is to make sure that we prevent any further. I cannot confirm there is a third offender, but I want to make sure there's no stone left unturned.

[Helene Burke]

Some news outlets are reporting a foreign.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Now, I'm well aware on social media that an identity of a person believed to be one of the gunman has been circulated there. When I ask for calm, that is really important. This is not a time for retribution. This is a time to allow the police to do their duty. So police are responding to make sure that all of the community is safe. That is our role. What can you tell us about Public Order Rights Court officers raiding homes?

[Helene Burke]

Is that under.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

What I'd say to you is that we have police right around the city at the moment to make sure that all of the community is safe. I don't want to go into too much specific activity. Our job is to respond to intelligence. We get respond to information, but make sure the community is safe. So unashamedly, we do have a lot of Public Order and Rights Squad and other police out on the streets at the moment to make sure there is calm. This disgraceful act will not go unpunished. Sorry, one questionuka.

[Helene Burke]

Were there any additional police resources around the Bondi area or Dover Heights in.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Case there was any problems? There certainly were police patrolling that area. We were well aware and we worked closely with the Jewish community in terms of Hanukkah. The Jewish community has its own security group that we work very closely with. So there were police present. The fact there was such prompt action taken demonstrates the police were present. Sorry, is there still an active threat? Now, what I've said before is that we are aware Definitely of two offenders at the moment. One of those is deceased, one is in hospital at the moment. We want to investigate thoroughly so that if there is a third offender or any other people are linked to this matter, we will investigate them and take action against them. What intelligence do you have about this third person? Was he there with a gun? Is he outside of the area?

[Janak Jalil]

What intelligence do you have?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

I think people need calm and worry that there's someone on the run still. It's way too early to give that information. The community can be very reassured that the police responded quickly. The police have responded in numbers. We have a significant investigation underway at the moment. We will be following all people linked to those gunmen that we know and we'll take action to keep the community safe. The community can rest assured that the police will take positive action to keep them safe.

[Janak Jalil]

It was the Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, who was the first to confirm publicly that this was an attack targeting Jews.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

This attack was designed to target Sydney's Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah. 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.

[Janak Jalil]

After a video emerged showing a bystander tackling and wrestling the gun from one of the shooters, the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, described people who'd run towards the danger as heroes. He said an evil had been unleashed at Bondi beach, which was beyond comprehension. He offered condolences to the Jewish community as well.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith, an act of evil, anti Semitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation. An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian and every Australian tonight will be, like me, devastated on this attack on our way of life. There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation.

[Janak Jalil]

Let me be clear.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

We will eradicate it.

[Janak Jalil]

This attack is thought to be the deadliest shooting in Australia since 1996, when an attack in Port Arthur led to the government introducing some of the world's strictest gun control measures. The BBC's Helene Burke, formerly a Sydney based reporter for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, is following the story.

[Helene Burke]

This Hanukkah event had begun at around 5pm and people were gathering at that park near the beach for that event. Then at around 6:30, these two gunmen show up, according to witnesses, and just begin mowing people down. Now what New South Wales police have told US is actually the police were already patrolling the area because of heightened tensions in Australia surrounding anti Semitism and things like that at the moment. So, in fact, the attack wasn't as bad as maybe it could have been. People were mowed down. One witness reported hearing up to 60 gunsh. Now, in that scuffle, the gunman himself has been killed, another one has been injured, and then police are still wondering whether there was a third man involved or not. At this stage, they've found a car in the nearby area that had several explosive devices inside of it. So they're still trying to piece everything together and really work out actually how many people are involved. In terms of what we're learning from authorities, police are not willing to say whether the attackers were known to them or not at this stage. We're unclear about that. But they are still finding more explosive devices in other areas as well. I think they found one under a bridge, too. So potentially this could have been an even larger attack.

[Janak Jalil]

Mondai beach would have been very crowded at this time of year. It's coming up to Christmas. Lots of tourists go there because it's the Australian summer. And we've seen all these distressing videos coming from the scene of this attack. But there's also one quite extraordinary video of a bystander managing to grab the gun off one of the shooters.

[Helene Burke]

Yeah, it's just exceptional. The man sees the gunman. He runs straight up to him and starts tackling him. Manages to get him to the ground and get the gun off him. He then starts pointing the gun at the gunman, and the gunman's backing away slowly. He's clearly very afraid. Once the man clearly feels that the gunman's further enough away, he puts the gun down and starts chasing after him and appears to throw a shoe at him. This guy doesn't seem to be a police officer, he's just a man who was there at the scene. So it was an exceptionally brave thing to do. Bondi is also an area of Sydney that has a really high Jewish population. So there's a decent chance that a lot of the people who were in the area, not even at the event, were also Jewish. Jewish leaders in Australia have been reacting to the attack in dismay. The head of the Australian Jewish association has said the shooting was a tragedy, but entirely foreseeable. They've been warning about an increase in anti Semitism in the city in recent years.

[Janak Jalil]

And this attack is especially shocking because unlike the United States, Australia does have strict gun laws, which means mass shootings like this are A rarity.

[Helene Burke]

That's right. You mentioned earlier, in 1996, there was a mass shooting in Port Arthur, which is on the Australian island of Tasmania. 35 people were killed and there was massive outrage after that. After that, the government brought in these sweeping gun reforms that saw things like semi automatic rifles being completely banned in the country, which are often the guns we see used in large shootings in the U.S. they also introduced a huge gun buyback scheme where people were paid to hand in their guns to the government and that saw 650,000 guns handed back. Now, those reforms are regarded as really, really successful and are seen as a big reason why Australia has relatively low gun crime, which makes something like this especially shocking for the country.

[Janak Jalil]

Leaders around the world have also been expressing their horror at this mass shooting. The Israeli President, Isaac Herzog said vile terrorists had carried out a cruel attack on Jewish people.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

These very moments. Our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Hanukkah on Bondi Beach. Our heart goes out to them. Our heart misses a beat. The entire nation of Israel misses a beat in this very moment. As we pray for the recovery of the wounded. We pray for them and we pray for those who've lost their lives.

[Janak Jalil]

New Zealand's Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon said he was shocked by the distressing scenes at Bondi Beach. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, condemned the shooting as an appalling act of violence. The French President, Emmanuel Macron, vowed that France would fight relentlessly against anti Semitic hatred. And the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said a terrorist attack against Jewish families at Hanukkah was sickening. Well, that's all from us for now, but there will be a new edition of the Global News podcast later. If you want to comment on this podcast, you can send us an email. The address is globalpodcastbc.co.uk.com this edition was mixed by Darcy O' Brie and the producers were Oliver Berlau and Adrienne White. The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Janak Jalil. Until next time. Goodbye. Hey, this is Sarah. Look, I'm standing out front of a.m. p.m. Right now and, well, you're sweet and all, but I found something more fulfilling, even kind of cheesy. But I like it.

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