UPDATE 2 – The number of victims is increasing

At least 29 people were injured in the attack and 12 died, authorities confirmed. According to The Independent, one of the alleged attackers was among the dead.

A second alleged attacker is in a critical condition. Police in the state of New South Wales said they would investigate whether there was a third attacker or other people involved in the violence.

Searches continue in the area after several improvised explosive devices were found in a car near the scene of the incident.

UPDATE – Attacker identified

A senior law enforcement official has confirmed that one of the attackers involved in the Bondi Beach shooting is Naveed Akram, from the suburb of Bonnyrigg, located in Sydney's southwest, writes The Mirror.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Akram's home in Bonnyrigg was currently being searched by police as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities have not yet provided additional information about the possible motives for the attack or the suspect's connections to other individuals, noting that the operation is still ongoing.

Original news

According to New South Wales (NSW) Police, at least two gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach on Sunday night during a Jewish holiday. The area is heavily frequented and the security operation is still ongoing, writes ABCNews.

Authorities asked the public to avoid the area and follow all police instructions.

In an official statement, police said that ten people were confirmed dead, including a man believed to be one of the attackers.

New South Wales authorities also announced that two people are in police custody.

The second alleged attacker is in critical condition.

"At this time, 11 people are reported to be injured, two of whom are police officers," authorities said.

Images appearing on social media show a massive presence of law enforcement, ambulances, and several people being transported on stretchers.

People already in the area were urged to seek shelter, while emergency teams worked to secure the perimeter.

Australian Prime Minister's reaction

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the scenes at Bondi Beach were"shocking and disturbing" and confirmed emergency crews were working to save lives.

He said he was in direct contact with the New South Wales authorities and urged the public to rely solely on official information provided by the police.

National shock and context

Violence in crowded public spaces is extremely rare in Australia, especially in heavily policed areas like Bondi Beach.

After the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, Australia introduced strict firearms laws, significantly reducing mass gun attacks.

Authorities said they would provide updates as the investigation progresses.