Bondi Beach was a laid-back spot. Then horror unfolded

It was a beautiful summer evening at Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach, thronged Sunday by thousands of people soaking up the lingering warmth or taking sunset dips in the sparkling sea.

- BY CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-MCLAY, KRISTEN GELINEAU AND ROD MCGUIRK

RELATIVES mourn this week at a flower memorial created after the shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Fifteen people were killed Sunday, as well as one assailant.

(MARK BAKER Associated Press)

Nearby, a Hanukkah celebration attracted families of all faiths, drawn in by face painting for children, ice cream, an outdoor movie and a petting zoo.

Then mayhem erupted.

For minute after minute, shots rang out as people ran screaming, pulling one another into buildings, under tables and down alleyways, their beach towels, picnic blankets and flip-flops strewn behind as they fled.

At least 15 people were killed, dozens more injured.

The violence horrified Australians not only because of its scale and the antisemitic extremism behind it but also because it unfolded at a cultural and environmental landmark that has long represented the country’s cheeky, friendly and relaxed way of life.

Bondi is Australia’s most famous beach. It’s the backdrop of a long-running reality television series about local lifeguards called “Bondi Rescue.” It’s also popular on Christmas Day with foreign backpackers who flock to celebrate on the sand.

The beach is well-known for its election day fashion too. By tradition, some Australians visiting the Bondi polling place to vote arrive clad only in tight-fitting swim briefs known as Budgy Smugglers, with news photographers jostling to capture the most irreverent shots.

Sunday night began in that spirit, with children enjoying rides and bubble blowing at the event, called Chanukah by the Sea. Then two men — a father and son, authorities say — began indiscriminately gunning down men, women and children.

Those killed were between 10 and 87. One was a Holocaust survivor, the Australian newspaper reported.