15 People Killed In Sydney Austraila In Mass Shooting

At least 15 people were killed Sunday when two gunmen opened fire at Australia’s Bondi Beach. Police said the attack targeted a Jewish event being held at the site.

One of the suspected gunmen also died, authorities said.Forty-two people were injured. Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87, according to police.The shooting happened during a celebration of the first night of Hanukkah. The event was hosted by Chabad, a Jewish organization.

Chabad said in a statement that Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi, was among those killed.Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation Monday. He called the attack “an act of pure evil.” He also described it as antisemitic and an act of terrorism.

Albanese urged national unity. He asked Australians to come together during the crisis.New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said police classified the shooting as a terrorism event. He said the attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on Hanukkah.

Officials said the suspected shooters were a father and son. The father was 50 years old and died at the scene. The son, 24, was hospitalized with unspecified injuries. Their names were not released.Police recovered six firearms at the scene. Officials said the father held a gun license. Investigators are working to confirm whether all weapons were legally owned.

Authorities also found two improvised explosive devices. Bomb disposal teams removed them safely.Gunfire broke out around 6:45 p.m. Hundreds of people were seen fleeing the beach.

Footage also showed a bystander tackling and disarming one suspect. Police said the man was injured and hospitalized.World leaders condemned the attack. French officials confirmed one victim was French national Dan Elkayam.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the shooting a terrorist attack. He expressed solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community.

The investigation is ongoing. Officials said it is complex and in its early stages.