Witness testimonies and video footage later verified by The New York Times have shed light on how a deadly attack unfolded Sunday evening during a Jewish holiday gathering at Bondi Beach in Sydney, an incident authorities have described as a terrorist assault. At least 15 people were killed in the shooting, which took place amid a public Hanukkah celebration attended by hundreds.

According to investigators and eyewitnesses, two armed suspects launched the attack from an elevated pedestrian footbridge overlooking a crowded park area near the beach. The celebration, which included music and free donuts, had drawn families, children, and community members marking the Jewish festival of lights.

Video evidence shows the gunmen firing into the crowd from above, sending people running for cover. Witnesses reported that panic spread almost instantly as shots rang out and people realized the scale of the danger. Several victims were hit within moments of the first gunfire.

At one stage of the attack, one of the shooters moved down from the bridge toward the park. He was wearing white pants and continued firing as he advanced toward the gathering. Footage and eyewitness accounts indicate that a bystander, who had been hiding between parked cars, suddenly rushed toward the gunman from behind. In a remarkable act of bravery, the man grabbed the attacker, struggled with him, and managed to wrench the rifle from his hands. The bystander then turned the weapon back toward the shooter, forcing him to retreat toward the bridge.

The second attacker, described as wearing black pants, remained on the bridge and continued shooting into the crowd below. Witnesses said he appeared to shout at beachgoers who were yelling at him, waving them away as he fired repeatedly in the direction of the park and surrounding area.

Before the attack began, witnesses said the two suspects arrived in a small silver hatchback that was parked near the footbridge. They exited the vehicle armed and immediately opened fire on people nearby, killing at least two individuals before moving to the higher vantage point on the bridge. Several videos captured the attackers carrying long guns as they positioned themselves above the crowd.

Police officers arrived on the scene shortly after the shooting began. Video footage shows officers taking cover and returning fire toward the bridge. One of the attackers was struck and fell to the ground after being hit by police gunfire. Authorities later confirmed that this suspect died at the scene.

The second gunman continued firing at police for roughly another minute, moving from one side of the bridge to the other while exchanging shots. Witnesses said the confrontation was intense and chaotic, with bullets striking the bridge structure and nearby surfaces. Eventually, the second suspect was also shot. Police said he was wounded and taken into custody.

In one widely circulated video, a witness can be heard shouting, “He’s down, he’s down,” as one of the attackers collapsed, signaling the end of the immediate threat.

In the area where the Hanukkah celebration had been taking place, the aftermath was devastating. Videos recorded by witnesses show multiple victims lying motionless on the ground. People who had been enjoying the festivities moments earlier were suddenly faced with scenes of loss and trauma.

Civilians, along with security personnel assigned to the event and nearby lifeguards, rushed to provide emergency assistance. CPR was administered to several victims as first responders worked to triage the wounded. Ambulances arrived and transported the injured to hospitals, while the deceased were covered and secured by emergency crews.

Authorities have not yet released full details about the suspects or their motives, but officials emphasized that the attack appeared to be targeted and deliberate. The incident has sent shockwaves through Sydney and the wider international community, prompting heightened security concerns around public and religious gatherings.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting victims’ families and understanding how such an attack was able to unfold at one of Australia’s most iconic and heavily visited public beaches.