Sacramento-area police keeping watch on Hanukkah events after Bondi Beach shootings
Sacramento-area law enforcement agencies remained on alert during Hanukkah celebrations following Sunday’s mass shooting in Australia that targeted Jewish celebrants on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The attack occurred on the first night of Hanukkah.
At least 15 people were killed in the massacre. One of the gunmen was also killed. Another 40 were taken to hospitals, according to Reuters.
While local authorities reported no known threats to the Sacramento area, law enforcement increased patrols and engaged with faith leaders in response to the shooting.
In Elk Grove, officers were stationed Sunday at the annual Hanukkah event organized by Chabad of Elk Grove in the city’s historic Old Town, according to department spokesman Sgt. Jason Jimenez. Police also monitored security cameras at the site.
“Out of an abundance of caution, officers were present and cameras were monitored during the Hanukkah celebration hosted by Chabad of Elk Grove at Old Town Plaza yesterday,” Jimenez said. “These measures were taken to help support a safe environment for those in attendance.”
The Sacramento Police Department offered condolences to victims of the Sydney shooting and said Monday that although “no known threat” exists locally, the agency remains in contact with federal, state and local partners.
“At this time, there is no known threat to our area; however, we encourage community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement,” the department said, adding that officers would remain available as needed through the holiday season.
Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has increased its presence around Sacramento-area synagogues and have been in regular contact with faith leaders and federal and state law enforcement agencies in the wake of Sunday’s mass shooting, said Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Amar Gandhi.
Sheriff Jim Cooper and deputies attended Hanukkah ceremonies and the lighting of the grand menorah Sunday night at Fair Oaks’ Park Plaza.
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is marked over eight nights with menorah lightings and special prayers. It commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem by the Maccabees in the second century BCE, when a one-day supply of oil lasted eight days — a central miracle of the holiday.
“We’ve beefed up patrols around synagogues and other areas surrounding them, especially during Hanukkah,” Gandhi said. Meantime, the Sheriff’s Office is also receiving information and updates from the FBI and other agencies.
“The FBI and our office have a great relationship, so we have information flowing to us from different directions,” Gandhi said.
While the increased patrols followed Sunday’s attacks, Gandhi noted such efforts are longstanding.
“We meet with temple leaders regularly,” Gandhi said. “They have a very direct line to us, and we are responsive to what they need.”
This story was originally published December 15, 2025 at 10:54 AM.
.JPG)