Dramatic
Heroic Bystander Disarms Gunman in Bondi Beach Hanukkah Shooting | WATCH
Australian police on the scene could not disarm the attacker because they were not armed. A passerby saved the day, literally.
Dramatic footage circulating on social media captures the moment a brave bystander intervened during a deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, subduing and disarming one of the gunmen amid chaos that left multiple people injured or killed.
The incident unfolded around 6:40 p.m. local time near the Warners Avenue pedestrian bridge at North Bondi, just meters from the "Chanukah by the Sea 2025" event organized by Chabad of Bondi. The family-friendly gathering, marking the first night of Hanukkah, drew hundreds to the beach park for candle-lighting and festivities.Eyewitness videos show two men dressed in black opening fire with shotguns, unleashing dozens of rounds into the crowd.
Panic ensued as attendees fled, with screams and sirens filling the air. In one widely shared clip, a shirtless bystander, later hailed as a hero, charges at one of the prone gunmen on the ground, kicking him and helping to secure the scene as police arrive. Voices can be heard shouting encouragement, including "f*****g bash him," before officers intervene.
New South Wales Police confirmed two suspects are in custody, with reports varying on whether one or both gunmen were neutralized by police or bystander action. At least three fatalities have been reported, including possibly a police officer, and up to 10 or more injuries, though exact figures remain unconfirmed. Paramedics treated victims on-site, with bystanders also providing aid. Jewish community leaders described the attack as targeted, occurring during a prominent public celebration.
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, confirmed the shooting took place at the Hanukkah event. Chabad sources reported one of their emissaries among the victims.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the scenes "shocking and distressing," while NSW Premier Chris Minns urged the public to follow police guidance.
Authorities have warned against spreading unverified rumors and confirmed no related incidents elsewhere, such as in Dover Heights.The bystander, whose identity has not been released, has been praised online for potentially saving lives by disarming the attacker.
One post described the act as giving "goosebumps," with many calling for the individual to be recognized as a hero.This remains a developing story, with investigations ongoing into the motives and backgrounds of the suspects. Police continue to secure the area.
Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the Australian Jewish community during this tragic time on what should have been a joyous holiday.