Death toll climbs to 12 in Bondi Beach terror attack

[Anthea]

Death toll climbs to 12 in Bondi Beach terror attack and a home-made BOMB is uncovered by cops after two gunmen opened fire on innocent beachgoers during Jewish festival

Twelve people, including children, are dead after two gunmen armed with rifles opened fire at Bondi Beach on Sunday afternoon, in an act of terrorism targeting a Jewish holiday celebration.

Witnesses said two men stepped out of a vehicle on Campbell Parade, near Bondi Pavilion, and opened fire about 6.40pm on Sunday with footage showing blast after blast on the tourist strip. Some witnesses report more than 30 shots.

Video and photos taken by a Daily Mail photographer show a gunman, later identified as Naveed Akram, 24, from Bonnyrigg in Sydney's southwest, opening fire from an elevated bridge.

A festival for Hanukkah, named Chanukah by the Sea, advertised as a night of family fun, was taking place, with children attending the event when the gunmen, one of whom was on the terror list and known to authorities, opened fire.

NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed 12 people were killed in a press conference late on Sunday.

Up to 29 injured people, including two police officers in critical condition and a child, have been taken to various hospitals in Sydney.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the shooting, which has been confirmed as an act of terrorism.

'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 said.

A black and white flag was left on the bonnet of a car at the scene

'An act of evil antisemitism, terrorism, that has struck the heart of our nation... An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.'

Akram was shot, arrested and remains in custody, where he is being treated by emergency services. The second gunman has been shot dead.

Akram's home in Bonnyrigg is being raided by police, as a crowd watched from the pavement. His family has owned the property for a year.

It was also confirmed late on Sunday evening that a number of suspicious items had been found near the bridge where the gunmen fired rounds, including an improvised explosive device (IED).

The IED was removed by bomb squad specialists, driven away in an armoured car.

Police have also started investigating whether a third person was involved in the terror attack.

A black and white flag could be seen abandoned on the bonnet of a silver Honda at the scene. It is unknown what the flag means.

Larisa Kleytman was with her husband when he was shot dead while trying to protect her.

The Bonnyrigg home of Naveed Akram has been raided by police

People could be seen gathering near Naveed Akram's home in Bonnyrigg

Emergency workers transport a person on a stretcher

Larisa Kleytman was with her husband when he was shot dead while trying to protect her

Married for five decades, Mrs Kleytman and husband Alex came from Matraville to celebrate Hanukkah.

The couple were in the crowd when Mrs Kletyman heard 'boom boom' and the shooting began.

'I think he was shot because he raised himself up to protect me, in the back of the head,' she said.

Mrs Kletyman and her husband came to Australia from Ukraine and have two children and 11 grandchildren.

Englishman Finn was video-calling with family back in London.

'I could hear fireworks going off - that's what it sounded like, anyway,' he said.

'I told my mum I'd go have a look, almost show her the view, in a way, and the next thing you know I saw a white car, with a guy firing from his car, and I saw an older lady who was killed.'

Tim Hamilton was with friends in North Bondi when he thought he heard a car backfiring but 'more violent than that, like a little bit louder'.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the act of terrorism

A festival, Chanukah by the Sea, was taking place when the gunmen opened fire

Two armed men in black are shown firing rifles near Bondi Pavilion

Tim said he did not receive an emergency alert on his phone following the incident.

'When we were walking home, we saw this guy who was up at Speedo Cafe, which is kind of near the North Bondi grass, and he was on the pavement bleeding.

'That was quite far away from where the shooters were. So I think one of the bullets must have travelled quite far. There were people helping him.'

Daniel, who is visiting Australia from Brazil, has described how he and a friend hid while the shots were fired and then they ran.

'A lot of people on the sand, on the ground, were trying to scream help,' he told ABC News.

'A lot of people on the floor, kids crying, looking for their mum.'

Police working to assist multiple injured people

Rabbi Levi Wolff at the scene of a shooting incident at Bondi Beach

Police have evacuated people from the area

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