Bondi Beach Tragedy: 10-Year-Old Matilda Poltavchenko Identified Among Victims of Sydney Shooting Incident

Sydney authorities confirm that 10-year-old Matilda Poltavchenko was among the victims killed in a deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, where gunmen opened fire on a large crowd gathered for a “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration.

Officials described the attack as an act of terrorism targeting Sydney’s Jewish community, marking one of the deadliest mass shooting incidents in Australia in nearly three decades.

Police reported that the violence began at approximately 6:45 p.m. local time along Campbell Parade near Bondi Beach, where thousands had gathered at the end of a summer day. Hundreds were attending the public Hanukkah event marking the start of the eight-day Jewish festival.

Witnesses described hearing rapid gunfire shortly after 6:40 p.m., prompting widespread panic as beachgoers fled the area for safety.

Video recorded by bystanders shows people running from the shoreline as shots rang out, while other footage circulating online appears to show two men dressed in black firing long guns from a footbridge near the surf club.

Authorities confirmed that two gunmen discharged dozens of rounds toward the crowd.

Police provided evolving casualty figures as the situation unfolded, ultimately confirming:

• At least 12 people killed, including 10-year-old Matilda Poltavchenko

• More than 40 people injured, some critically

• Two police officers wounded

Among the deceased was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi with Chabad of Bondi and one of the event organizers. Israel’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed that an Israeli citizen was killed.

Authorities added:

• One attacker was fatally shot by police

• A second suspect was arrested and remains in critical condition

• One suspect was identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram

• One gunman had previously been known to security services, though no immediate threat warning was issued beforehand

Investigators also located suspicious items, including suspected improvised explosive devices, inside a vehicle associated with one of the attackers.

In widely shared video footage, a bystander can be seen tackling and disarming one of the gunmen. Police later identified him as 43-year-old Ahmed Al Ahmed. He was shot twice during the confrontation, transported to a hospital, and is expected to recover. Officials praised his bravery as a critical factor in preventing further loss of life.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting as an antisemitic act of terrorism, stating that it struck “at the heart of the nation.”

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns emphasized that the attack was “designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” promising full support and accountability.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed the scale of the casualties and noted that the investigation remains active, with counterterrorism units leading the inquiry.

The attack drew condemnation from global leaders. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer—who had posted Hanukkah greetings shortly before news of the shooting emerged—later issued a message expressing condolences. Australian leaders and Israel’s president also mourned the victims and denounced the violence.

Australia, home to approximately 117,000 Jewish residents, has experienced a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents over the past year, including vandalism, threats, assaults, and arson attacks targeting synagogues, homes, and businesses. Authorities noted that the Bondi Beach massacre represents a devastating breach of public safety despite the country’s strict gun laws.

Police continue to collect evidence, review video footage, and interview witnesses as part of a comprehensive counterterrorism investigation. Officials are urging the public to avoid sharing unverified footage and to provide any relevant information to law enforcement.

As Sydney mourns, tributes continue to pour in for the victims — including young Matilda Poltavchenko — whose death has come to symbolize the deep human loss felt throughout the community.