A mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney killed at least 12 people and wounded scores of others, police said on Sunday, with one of the attackers among the dead and another in custody. Authorities have declared the incident a terrorist attack and warned that the security situation remains very serious.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said at a news conference that 12 people have been killed during a Jewish ceremony.

The state's Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said that 29 people were injured, including two police officers, who were in serious condition.

"We know that there were many people there to celebrate a happy occasion. And there was well over 1,000 people there when this took place," he said. "As a result of the circumstances of the incident tonight, ... I declared this to be a terrorist incident."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the Bondi Beach shooting as a "dark moment" for the country, urging national unity and a swift, comprehensive response as authorities work to save lives and bring those responsible to justice.

"This afternoon, there has been a devastating terrorist incident at Bondi at the Hanukkah by the Sea celebration. 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," Albanese said.

The police and security agencies will work "to determine anyone associated with this outrage" and "agencies will provide you with factual updates as quickly as possible as they continue to emerge", he said.

Joint force

The Australian Federal Police said they were working with New South Wales police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organization in joint counterterrorism arrangements.

"We'll put all resources we can, all our specialist powers, all our specialist resources toward ensuring that this matter is investigated as thoroughly as possible," said Nigel Ryan, acting commissioner of the federal police.

In a statement posted on X, New South Wales state police said an operation was underway and urged the public to avoid the area.

The Chinese Consulate General in Sydney has issued a safety alert to Chinese nationals following the shooting.

It advised Chinese citizens living in New South Wales to closely monitor the local security situation, heighten personal safety awareness, take appropriate precautions and keep mobile communications open.

They were advised to immediately call the police and emergency services if they encountered any danger.

Contact the writers at xinxin@chinadaily.com.cn