Police said one of the suspected attackers was also killed. A total of 42 people were injured in the attack, with victims ranging in age from 10 to 87.

By Asaye Bankole

At least 15 people were killed on Sunday after two gunmen opened fire at Australia’s Bondi Beach, targeting a Jewish event, according to police in New South Wales.

Police said one of the suspected attackers was also killed. A total of 42 people were injured in the attack, with victims ranging in age from 10 to 87.

The shooting took place as attendees were marking the first night of Hanukkah.

Chabad, the Jewish organization hosting the Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, said in a statement that Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi, was among those killed.

Speaking at a press conference in Sydney on Monday local time, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as “an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism,” and “an act of terrorism.” He called for national unity and urged Australians to come together.

At an earlier news conference, officials said the injured police officers were in critical but stable condition. On Sunday, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said police had officially classified the shooting as a “terrorism event.”
“This attack was intended to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah,” Minns said.

Officials said the suspected shooters were a father and son, aged 50 and 24, during an afternoon news conference. The father is dead, while the son is hospitalized with unspecified injuries. Their names were not released.

Six firearms were recovered at the scene, officials said, noting that the father held a gun license and owned six licensed firearms. Investigators are working to determine whether the weapons found at the scene were among those licensed to him.

Officials also said two improvised explosive devices were discovered at the location and were removed by a bomb disposal unit to be safely rendered harmless.

In a statement, Albanese said he was in contact with New South Wales officials, including the state premier.

“We are working with the NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed,” he said. “I urge people in the area to follow guidance from the NSW Police.”

FBI Director Kash Patel said U.S. officials had been in contact with their counterparts in Australia.

“This is a massive and complex investigation that has only just begun,” Minns said.

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