Massacre in Sydney: At least twelve people killed, one attacker dead; Horrifying footage of the shooting VIDEO

It is believed that the target of the attack was a Hanukkah-related event, which police sources say had been planned for months, reports the Australian outlet NewsWire.

One attacker was shot dead, while the other was wounded and is in custody. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a written statement that the scenes in Bondi were “shocking and distressing.”

“Police and emergency services are on the ground and working to save lives. My thoughts are with everyone affected,” Albanese said.

A spokesman for the Australian federal state of New South Wales said that the emergency service received a call at 6:45 PM local time reporting multiple people shot at Bondi Beach.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated that he declared the incident a terrorist attack at 9:36 PM local time.

"This attack was designed to target the Jewish community in Sydney. On the first day of Hanukkah, what was meant to be a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters was shattered by this horrific, brutal attack," said Minns.

At least 29 people were injured.

The New South Wales Police stated that they are "responding to an ongoing incident at Bondi Beach and urge the public to avoid the area."