Bondi shooting: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemns ‘shocking’ massacre as nation reels

Anthony Albanese has described the deadly attack in Bondi as “shocking and saddening” as the death toll rises and the attack was linked to a Jewish incident at a children’s playground.

The Prime Minister was in Canberra when news broke that two gunmen had opened fire on Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach, killing scores and causing panic.

He was briefed by the Australian Federal Police and NSW Premier Chris Minns as police urged the public to stay away from the area.

“Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives,” Mr Albanese said.

“My thoughts are with everyone affected.

“I have just spoken to the AFP Commissioner and the Premier of NSW. We are working with NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed.

“I urge people in the area to follow information from NSW Police.”

Police confirmed that two suspects were in custody, but did not confirm reports that one of the attackers had died.

The death toll was unclear and a cause was not confirmed, but speculation quickly spread online, with the Australian Jewish Association linking the attack to the Hanukkah Festival of Lights event at the Bondi Park playground and claiming it was the target.

“Please pray for the Australian Jewish community,” the Australian Jewish Association said in X.

“We warned many times that this was coming. Not once did we feel that the government took the warnings seriously.”

NSW Liberal Leader Kellie Sloane was nearby when dozens of gunshots rang out and told 7News “this was a massacre”.

“I’m angry because this wasn’t just an attack on our Jewish community here,” he said.

“This is not just an attack on the Bondi community, it is an attack on our country and our way of life here and it is still evolving.

“There was panic everywhere. There were people running. There were people trying to help… And, you know, it’s really hard not being able to help.”

“We were just giving people compression bandages. We were moving people out of the way… there were people we couldn’t save, Chris. There were people who were already dead.”

“What I’m worried about is that our Jewish community will never feel safe again, I don’t know what we’re going to do.”

Premier Roger Cook immediately offered WA’s support to the shocked New South Wales community and said “extremism” had no place in Australia.

“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the events in Bondi,” he said.

“My thoughts are with everyone affected by this senseless act of violence.

“I also want to thank first responders and police for their swift and courageous actions to protect the community.

“There is absolutely no place for violence or extremism in Australia. Every Australian deserves to feel safe and live freely in our society without fear of harm.”

Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the attack targeted the heart of an iconic Australian community.

“This was a celebration of peace and hope for the future torn apart by hatred,” he said.

“My heart goes out tonight to the Jewish community in Australia, especially those living in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, people I know well. Today, in this moment of profound tragedy and shock, we stand together as Australians against hate.”

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson called it a terrorist attack and immediately accused the Albanian Government of ignoring warning signs.

“Today is an extremely dark day for our nation,” he said.

“The Prime Minister has never heeded the warning signs, including weekly anti-Semitic protests across the country, hate speech from some clergy, our disgusting universities and possible terrorism alert.

“Tonight I stand with the Jewish community in Australia, who deserve our absolute consolation. You have the same right to live in peace and harmony as all Australians. Authorities must be honest when revealing the identities and backgrounds of these murderers.”

Greens Leader Larissa Waters said everyone deserved to be safe.

“This use of violence is heartbreaking and appalling,” he said.

“My heart goes out to everyone who is suffering and reeling from this. Please stay safe, avoid the area and follow police advice.”