☕️ Latest on terror attack at Bondi

All eyes are on the terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach yesterday afternoon. At least 16 people are confirmed dead, with many more still in hospital.

Gunmen opened fire at a Jewish community event, which was being held to mark the first day of Chanukah.

It is Australia’s worst mass shooting since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996. We have the latest below in the 2 minute section.

Australia has recorded the highest annual number of Indigenous deaths in custody since records began.

The findings come from the Australian Institute of Criminology’s (AIC) National Deaths in Custody Program, which began tracking deaths in prison, youth detention, and police custody in 1980.

In 2024/25, 113 people died in custody, 33 of whom were First Nations people.

Since the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, 617 First Nations people have died in custody.

From 1 July 2024 to 30 June 25 year, 113 people died in custody in Australia.

The majority (90) of these deaths occurred in prison — 14 more than 2023/24, and the highest number of deaths in prison since 1979.

Of those who died in prison, 26 were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which is eight more than last year.

Across the year, 22 people died in police custody or during police interactions, six of whom were Indigenous.

AIC reported one young person died in youth detention in 2024/25, bringing the total number of reported underage deaths since 1979/80 to 20. No further details were provided to respect the deceased’s privacy.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Indigenous people made up 37% of the prison population in June 2025.

At the time of the report, the cause of death was known for 19 of the 26 Indigenous deaths in custody. More than half were reported as suicide.

In October, NSW Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan revealed that 12 First Nations people had died in the state’s custody since January 2025.

She called the figure a “distressing milestone.” First Nations advocates attributed the statistic to “punitive laws and policing practices”.

In a statement to The Daily Aus, a NSW Government spokesperson said it “takes this issue seriously” and continues to invest in design and safety measures. It said a report into “recurring and emerging themes” from deaths in custody is due next year.

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS) said the statistics reflect harmful policing practices.

The organisation called on governments to prioritise “putting an end to mass incarceration”.

“State and territory governments are openly pursuing and celebrating policies that throw our people behind bars, all in the name of political point-scoring — and our people are paying the price with their lives,” NATSILS Acting Chair Nerita Waight said.

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Reporting by Achol Arok.

At least 16 people have been killed and 42 others are in hospital after gunmen opened fire at a Jewish community event at Bondi Beach in Sydney’s east.

Hundreds had gathered to celebrate the start of the Jewish festival of Chanukah.

The incident has been declared a terrorist attack. One gunman was killed at the scene and another is in police custody.

“The evil that was unleashed at Bondi Beach is beyond comprehension. The trauma and loss that families are dealing with is beyond anyone’s worst nightmare,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

Officers arrived on the scene just before 7pm on Sunday.

Multiple videos posted to social media show two gunmen standing on a footbridge connecting Campbell Parade to the Bondi Pavilion, firing shots into a crowd.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday night, Premier Chris Minns said the attack was “designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community”.

16 people are confirmed dead, including a man believed to be one of the shooters. Police confirmed a 10-year-old child is among the dead.

A second alleged shooter is in police custody.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed police are treating it as a terrorist attack.

Police are investigating the weapons used, as well as a vehicle in Bondi suspected to have improvised bombs inside, as a multi-agency response continues.

“What should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters, has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

Counter-terror officers will lead the investigation, Commissioner Lanyon said.

“No stone will be left unturned. This type of disgraceful activity, this wanton use of violence, the taking of innocent lives is unacceptable to New South Wales.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “In this moment of darkness we must be each other’s light. Hold on to the true character of the country that we love. Australia is stronger than the cowards who attacked innocent people today.”

The PM also acknowledged the bravery of civilians and emergency services on the ground in Bondi.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said: “This attack occurred as our Jewish community came together at Chanukah by the Sea celebration. This was a celebration of peace and hope for the future, severed by hate.”

For anyone who needs mental health support, NSW Health’s dedicated Mental Health Line is available 24/7 on 1800 011 511.
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On Sunday evening, gunmen opened fire at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where a Jewish community event was being held to mark the beginning of Chanukah. At least 16 people, including one of the alleged shooters, were killed at the scene, and dozens more were taken to hospital. Police are treating it as a terrorist attack. Here’s a short wrap of what we know so far.