A mass shooting at Bondi Beach in the Australian city of Sydney has killed at least 11 people and wounded 29, including two police officers, police say.
One man believed to be one of the shooters has also been killed, while a second alleged shooter is in critical condition. Authorities designate the shooting a “terrorist” incident, saying it was “designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah”.
Berlin police said they were ramping up measures around the German capital’s Brandenburg Gate, where a large electric menorah is being lit to mark the first night of Hanukkah.
“We have long planned comprehensive security for tonight’s Hanukkah event at the Brandenburg Gate – in light of the events in Sydney, we will further intensify our measures and maintain a strong police presence there,” a spokesperson said on X.
Berlin police said they were ramping up measures around the German capital’s Brandenburg Gate, where a large electric menorah is being lit to mark the first night of Hanukkah.
“Meanwhile, New York Mayor Eric Adams said on X that extra protection was being deployed for Hanukkah celebrations and synagogues in New York City and in Warsaw’s main synagogue, armed security was doubled for its Sunday evening event.
“We will continue to ensure the Jewish community can celebrate the holiday in safety — including at public Menorah lightings across the city. Let us pray for the injured and stand together against hatred,” Adams said.
London’s Metropolitan Police said it had also increased security, but did not want to give details.
“While there is no information to suggest any link between the attack in Sydney and the threat level in London, this morning we are stepping up our police presence, carrying out additional community patrols and engaging with the Jewish community to understand what more we can do in the coming hours and days,” it said in a statement.
The Palestinian foreign ministry has condemned the shooting in a statement, saying that it “reiterates its firm rejection of all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism, which contradict humanitarian values”.
It also expressed its “full solidarity” with “friendly Australia”.
Australia recognised a Palestinian state in September alongside Britain and Canada in a historic shift in decades of Western foreign policy.
According to Australian media reports, Ahmed al Ahmed was hit by two bullets and is undergoing surgery for his injuries this evening.
In the footage circulated on social and conventional media, the bystander, dubbed a “hero” by the local media and officials, is seen grabbing a rifle from the attacker after sneaking up on him from behind.
Ahmed’s cousin, identified only as Mustafa, spoke to 7NEWS Australia outside St George Hospital, where the surgery was taking place.
In the televised interview, Mustafa confirmed to the channel that his cousin wrestled the gunman and later received bullet wounds to his upper arm and his hand.
“He is in hospital, and we don’t know exactly what’s going on inside”, Mustafa said.
“We do hope he will be fine. He’s a hero 100 percent.”
Ahmed is from Sydney’s Sutherland Shire and owns a local fruit business, media reports said.
who disarmed gunman identified as Ahmed al Ahmed, Australian media reports say
The bystander who tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen during the Bondi Beach attack has been named as 43-year-old Ahmed al Ahmed, according to the Australian media.
In the footage circulated on social and conventional media, the bystander dubbed “hero” by the local media is seen grabbing a rifle from the attacker after sneaking up on him from behind.
Both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns singled out his bravery in comments to the media.
