King Charles and Queen Camilla have shared a message of support to those affected by the Bondi Beach shooting, which claimed the lives of 12 people.
Sharing on social media, the King said: "My wife and I are appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people attending the Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach.
"Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community.
"We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy.
The King and Queen are 'appalled and saddened'
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"In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia - and the light at the heart of the Chanukah festival - will always triumph over the darkness of such evil."
Some 29 people have been taken to various hospitals around Sydney, including a child.
One gunman is in serious condition, with the other killed at the scene. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed they will "make sure no stone is left unturned" in regards to a potential third gunman, adding police are investigating "thoroughly" of any other people linked to the shooting.
Premier Chris Minns said the attack was "designed to target Sydney's Jewish community".
One of the gunmen died at the scene, while another was shot and remains in custody | XLATEST DEVELOPMENTS
He said there will be a "significant investigation" led by counter-terrorism, adding: "The fact that it is the first day of Hannukah, the types of weapons... some of the other items we found at the scene - we have found the improvised explosive device in a car which is linked to the deceased offender," he explained when asked why the incident had been declared a terrorist attack.
Mr Lanyon confirmed that a rescue bomb disposal unit is working on the vehicle in which the device was found.
Commissioner Lanyon also said police are "aware" of one of the gunmen, but "that does not mean there was any specific threat posed by that person".
What should have been a "night of peace and joy" was "shattered" by a "horrifying, evil attack", he added.
Hundreds could be seen fleeing the beach after the incident | INSTAGRAMThere were more than 1,000 people in attendance at the event, Mr Lanyon confirmed, and they celebrated the Jewish holiday of Hannukah.
A festival called Chanukah by the Sea was advertised as a night of family fun; however, chaos erupted when suspects opened fire during the event.
Co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Alex Ryvchin, said: "I think this was very deliberate and very targeted." He also said the incident occurred during the "family event".
New South Wales police were called to the area at around 6.47pm local time after reports of multiple people being shot. They told people near the scene to "take shelter".
Police work at the scene after a shooting incident at Bondi Beach in Sydney | GETTYAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as an "act of evil antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation."
He added that there is no place for this "vile act of violence and hate".
Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said Australians were in "mourning" and that "hateful violence" had struck at the heart of the Bondi Beach community.
"The loss of life from this attack is significant, and I join with the Prime Minister in urging all Australians to follow official advice from police and relevant authorities," she said.
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