Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has shared his frightening experience of being near the tragic mass shooting that unfolded at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday.
Vaughan, who is currently in Australia for the ongoing Ashes series, confirmed on social media that he was safe after being forced to take shelter.
“Being locked in a restaurant in Bondi was scary .. Now home safe .. but thanks so much to the emergency services and the guy who confronted the terrorist .. thoughts with all who have been affected .. xxx,” Vaughan tweeted.
The Third Test of the Ashes series, for which Vaughan is likely serving as a commentator, is scheduled to begin on December 17 in Adelaide.
Ten Dead in Attack on Hanukkah Celebration
The incident began around 6:45 PM (local time) when two gunmen opened fire at or near the Bondi Park Playground adjacent to the beach.
New South Wales (NSW) Police confirmed that the attack resulted in ten deaths, including nine victims and one of the gunmen who was shot dead by police. A second alleged shooter was arrested at the scene and is currently in custody in critical condition.
Police also confirmed that at least eleven people were wounded, including two police officers.
Target and Heroic Intervention
The mass shooting took place during a planned public event called “Chanukah by the Sea,” a community gathering organized by Chabad of Bondi to mark the beginning of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Jewish community leaders strongly believe the event was deliberately targeted, calling it a “very cruel attack on Jews.”
The attack was brought to an end through a combination of police action and civilian bravery. Dramatic bystander footage circulated online showing an unarmed civilian courageously tackling and disarming one of the shooters moments before authorities intervened.
The operation at Bondi remains ongoing, with police setting up exclusion zones and examining a number of suspicious items, including a reported Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the vicinity, indicating the scene remains active.