SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – A holiday celebration turned into a warzone on Sunday when terrorists unleashed a hail of bullets on families gathering for Hanukkah at Bondi Beach. The vile ambush left at least 12 people dead and 29 others wounded before a brave bystander tackled one of the gunmen to the ground.
Cowardly Ambush
The horror began around 6:45 p.m. as the sun set over the iconic coast. Two gunmen positioned themselves on a pedestrian bridge overlooking the park, using the high ground to fire directly into the crowd attending the "Chanukah by the Sea" event.
Panic tore through the beach as thousands fled for cover. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed the attack was a calculated strike against the Jewish community, describing the scene as a shattering act of "horrifying evil" that targeted families on a night meant for peace.
Hero Tackles Gunman
Amidst the carnage, a moment of extraordinary courage was captured on video. A bystander was seen sneaking behind cars before launching himself at one of the terrorists, ripping the rifle from his grip and turning the weapon on the attacker.
One gunman was killed at the scene, while the second—identified as Narveed Akram—was taken into custody in critical condition. The threat was far from over when the shooting stopped; police spent the night disarming improvised explosive devices (IEDs) scattered across the beach and inside the terrorists' vehicle.
National Devastation
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed a stunned nation, calling the massacre a "vile act of antisemitism" that strikes at the heart of Australian life.
"I saw at least 10 people on the ground and blood everywhere," witness Harry Wilson told local reporters. The attack is recorded as the deadliest shooting in Australia since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
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