At least 17 people have been killed, including one alleged gunman, following what authorities have described as a terrorist attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach,
where dozens of shots were fired near a park hosting a Jewish festival. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the shooting was a "targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukah, which should be a day of joy", describing it as "an act of evil antisemitism". The New South Wales police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, said late on Sunday that investigators were examining the possibility that a third gunman may have been involved. He confirmed the incident had been declared a terrorist attack and said officers believed they had found several improvised explosive devices in a vehicle located close to the scene shortly after the shooting. "I have also authorized special powers … 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," Lanyon said. Also Read: Are Guns Banned in Australia? What to Know About Australia's Gun Laws After Bondi Beach Shooting Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said the attack appeared to have been planned. "I think this was very deliberate and very targeted," he said. Sunday marked the first day of Hanukah. Among those killed was London-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, according to his cousin, who spoke to Jewish News. A father of five, Rabbi Schlanger served as assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, a Jewish cultural centre, and grew up in Temple Fortune in north London. Israel's foreign ministry said one of the other victims was an Israeli citizen.
What is Open and Shut in Bondi Beach Today?
Bondi Beach & Immediate Vicinity: Bondi Beach has been closed to the public and evacuated. Heavy police presence continues in the area and people have been asked to avoid the area.
Schools: Private schools in the Bondi area are closed on Monday, 15 December. Local authorities are still determining the status of nearby state schools.
Crime Scene Lockdown: The area immediately surrounding the site of the attack remains under a security lockdown.
Eateries and other recreational areas are open as the authorities have not put out any closure notices regarding them.
