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By Kate Plummer
Senior US News Reporter
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A bystander who tackled and disarmed one of the two alleged gunmen who killed at least 11 people in a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, has been hailed as a "genuine hero."
Twelve people—including one of the gunmen—died after what police described as a "terrorism incident" unfolded at an event taking place to mark the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
Footage on social media circulated showing a bystander running up to another man who was holding a rifle.
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In the video, he tackles the man from behind as he fires, takes the rifle out of his hands then points it at him. The alleged gunman backs away and the man places the gun against a tree.
Newsweek has not independently verified the footage or the identity of the individuals in it, but it has been widely reported that it is connected to the event.
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The Context
Two shooters are alleged to have carried out the attack during a Hannukah celebration.
One of the shooters is dead, as are 11 others. Emergency services said 29 people were transported to the hospital and others were being treated at the scene.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said at a news conference that the event was a "terrorist incident."
"We know that there were many people there to celebrate a happy occasion, the celebration of Hanukkah. And there was well over 1,000 people there when this took place," said Lanyon.
"As a result of the circumstances of the incident tonight, at 9:36 p.m. this evening, I declared this to be a terrorist incident."
What To Know
Chris Minns, the premier of New South Wales state, said the video of the bystander disarming the gunman was the "most unbelievable scene I've ever seen."
"A man walking up to a gunman who had fired on the community and single-handedly disarming him, putting his own life at risk to save the lives of countless other people," he said during a press conference.
"That man is a genuine hero, and I've got no doubt that there are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery."
What People Are Saying
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a live television appearance: "The evil unleashed at Bondi is beyond comprehension. This is a dark moment for our nation."
“This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith,” he added at the press conference.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X: "The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Australia targeting a Jewish celebration. Antisemitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia."
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