NSW Police Respond to Shooting Reports at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Two Arrested
New South Wales Police detained two individuals on Sunday evening after reports of a possible shooting at Sydney’s popular Bondi Beach, triggering a major emergency response in the city’s eastern suburbs.
Police described the situation as a “developing incident” and urged the public to stay away from the area. Authorities asked anyone present at the scene to immediately take shelter while officers worked to assess the situation.
Emergency services, including ambulances and police units, were deployed to the beach and surrounding locations as investigations continued.
Footage from the grassy area near the beach showed a chaotic scene, with several people lying on the ground receiving medical assistance from paramedics. Witnesses reported seeing injured individuals with head bandages, while others appeared bloodied as crowds fled the area in panic.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of casualties, though multiple injuries have been reported.
Local resident and former journalist Elizabeth Mealey said she was dining at the Icebergs restaurant when loud noises were heard.
“At first, we thought it was fireworks, but very quickly realised it was something far more serious,” she told Australian media.
She described people running across the beach as fear spread rapidly through the area, including into nearby restaurants, where diners were left confused and frightened.
Mealey said she could not see the source of the gunfire but believed it came from near the Bondi Pavilion.
“It felt like a long time before sirens arrived. Then we heard a helicopter overhead and ambulances coming in. It was complete chaos, and no one knew what was actually happening,” she said.
She also reported seeing people running from North Bondi toward the southern end of the beach to escape the sounds.
“At one point, we heard what seemed like another kind of gunfire, which we hoped was police responding. After that, things became quieter, but there was still a lot of uncertainty,” she added.
Police have confirmed that two people were arrested in connection with the incident, while investigations remain ongoing. Members of the public have been advised to continue avoiding the area until authorities declare it safe.