Pip Edwards thought she was soaking up just another easy-going Sunday at Bondi Beach.
The P.E Nation co-founder, who lives nearby in Rose Bay, had spent the afternoon lounging by the water with her close friend Jess Engles.
Smiles, sunshine and relaxed selfies filled her phone — moments that, at the time, felt completely ordinary.
Barely an hour later, that same stretch of sand would become the scene of one of the deadliest attacks Sydney has seen in years.
Trapped as Gunfire Erupted
As shots rang out along Campbell Parade on Sunday evening, Edwards and Engles suddenly found themselves running for their lives.
According to Engles, the pair ended up hiding beneath a van as chaos unfolded around them.
In a harrowing message shared on Instagram Stories later that night, Engles reassured friends they were physically unharmed — but clearly shaken.
“Me and Pip are not injured,” she wrote. “We were surrounded by the gunmen hiding under a van.
Our car, plus others around us, were shot. We saw their feet and guns in front of our van.”
She added that the experience was too raw to explain in detail, asking people not to contact her while she tried to process what had happened.
Joyful Photos, Taken Just Before Horror Struck
Earlier that day, Edwards had posted carefree images from Bondi, stretched out on the sand and smiling alongside Engles.
Her caption, light-hearted and affectionate, read: “Always fun with you, Jess Engels.”
Those photos now stand in stark contrast to the violence that followed — a chilling reminder of how quickly normal life can be torn apart.
What Police Say Happened at Bondi
Authorities say two men armed with rifles stepped out of a vehicle near the Bondi Pavilion around 6.40pm and opened fire.
Witnesses reported hearing dozens of shots as panic spread across the busy tourist strip.
Footage captured by photographers shows one of the attackers firing from an elevated bridge overlooking the area.
A Jewish community event, Chanukah by the Sea — promoted as a family-friendly celebration — was taking place at the time, with children among those attending.
Twelve people, including children, were killed. Up to 25 others were injured, among them two police officers, and rushed to hospitals across Sydney.
The Suspects and Ongoing Police Operation
One of the two gunmen was shot dead at the scene. The second remains in critical condition.
Police have identified one suspect as Naveed Akram following a raid on a property in Western Sydney.
Later on Sunday night, authorities confirmed that suspicious items had been found near the scene, including what is believed to be an improvised explosive device.
Specialist officers are now examining those materials.
Police are also understood to be searching a separate address in Bonnyrigg as part of the ongoing investigation.
An exclusion zone remains in place, and the public has been urged to stay away from the area.
‘It Was Absolute Chaos’
Locals who were nearby described terrifying scenes as people fled in every direction.
Kirk Gehri, who was at Depot in Bondi at the time, said the gunfire was relentless.
“They were just shooting openly at that bridge,” he said.
“I saw people running as soon as I arrived. It was chaos.”
Leaders React as the City Reels
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the government was monitoring what they described as an “active security situation” and urged people to follow directions from NSW Police.
Jewish federal MP Julian Leeser did not mince words, calling the incident a terror attack and expressing shock at the loss of life during a community celebration.
A Community Left Asking What Comes Next
For Pip Edwards and countless others who crossed paths with the violence that night, the emotional fallout is only just beginning.
Bondi Beach — usually a symbol of Sydney’s laid-back lifestyle — has been transformed into a place of mourning and unanswered questions.
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