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Shooting witness details 'pandemonium' after 'targeted attack' in Australia

Shooting witness Tanya Cohen joins 'Fox & Friends Weekend' to describe the chaotic scene as families and bystanders fled for safety after shots rang out at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach, Australia.

An American woman visiting family in Sydney, Australia, said "pandemonium broke out" when gunfire erupted at a crowded Hanukkah festival on Bondi Beach, sending hundreds of people fleeing for their lives. 

Tanya Cohen initially mistook a series of rapid pops for fireworks when she arrived at the annual "Chanukah by the Sea" event, she told "Fox & Friends Weekend" on Sunday.

"And then when it did not stop, we all realized it was an active shooter, and pandemonium broke out," Cohen said. "Hundreds of people were running across a busy road — where cars were still moving — toward safety."

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People walk as police officers stand guard following a shooting at Bondi Beach on Dec. 14, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (AAP/Jeremy Piper/via Reuters)

Cohen said diners in nearby restaurants "were jumping under the tables." She also said the attack seemed to go on for nearly 10 minutes before gunfire stopped. 

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Police say the attack "targeted" the Jewish community and is being investigated as an act of terrorism, Fox News Digital previously reported. At least 12 people were killed and 29 hospitalized, authorities said.

Armed police work at the scene after a shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Dec. 14, 2025. Police said two people were in custody after reports of multiple gunshots at the popular beach and urged the public to take shelter. (David Gray/AFP via Getty Images)

Cohen said she was close to the shooter, who was firing toward the festival rather than the road where crowds were escaping. Her brother was working security at the site.

"He joined in to help resuscitate victims and is actually still on the scene helping out authorities," said Cohen.

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