Moment Bondi gunman drops to the ground during shootout

Police are yet to officially confirm the exact weaponry used by the two gunmen who opened fire at Bondi Beach this afternoon.

At least 12 people were killed in the horrific attack including one suspected shooter. Police shot one attacker dead at the scene and detained another in critical condition.

NSW Police told news.com.au they are “unable to confirm” the specifics of the weapons used, but aftermath footage from near the footbridge above Bondi Park shows what appear to be red shotgun shell casings scattered on the ground, alongside thinner metallic casings that appear to match those used in hunting-style rifles.

In one widely shared video filmed from inside a nearby car, a man can be heard shouting: “He has a sniper, he’s sniping people.”

Bolt-action rifles are designed for accuracy and lethality over longer distances. They are built to penetrate deeply enough to bring down large game and can cause fatal injuries at extremely long ranges.

Although bolt-action rifles require manual cycling between shots and fire more slowly than semi-automatic firearms, they can still discharge several aimed rounds per minute in experienced hands.

Shotguns are most dangerous at close range, where they deliver a large amount of energy in a single discharge and can cause catastrophic damage. While typically limited in capacity, a moderately experienced user can fire many shots in a short period.

Several are now questioning how the two men gained access to such deadly weapons. Australia has some of the world’s strictest gun laws, introduced after the 1996 National Firearms Agreement.

The shooter who remained on the bridge appeared to be using a bolt-action rifle with a long-range scope.

The civilian who disarmed on of the shooters placed one weapon next to a tree.

Thinner bullet casings were also spotted at the scene.

All guns must be registered, all owners licensed, and self-defence is not a valid reason to own a firearm anywhere in the country.

Despite the strict framework, civilians can legally own certain long guns, including bolt-action rifles and many shotguns, provided they meet demanding requirements.

To do so in New South Wales, an individual must apply for a firearms licence, be at least 18 years old and assessed as a “fit and proper person”, pass criminal history and suitability checks and complete an approved firearms safety course.

They are also required to provide a documented genuine reason, such as sport shooting, hunting, pest control, and then wait through a mandatory assessment period.

Police perform CPR on suspected Bondi shooters

Even with a licence, each individual firearm requires a separate permit.

Under this system, bolt-action hunting rifles and break-action or low-capacity shotguns are lawful for licensed civilians. More rapid-fire or high-capacity firearms are heavily restricted or prohibited.

“We are unable to confirm (what guns were used) while the operation remains ongoing and will be part of the subsequent investigation,” NSW Police told news.com.au.

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) estimates more than 260,000 firearms are in the illicit market.

The market for illegal weapons is driven in part by drug traffickers, organised crime rings, outlaw motorcycle gangs and terrorist groups.

“While these groups have direct links to illicit firearms, other criminals get and use firearms illegally through various means,” the Australian Federal Police writes.

“Some weapons were not handed in as part of the buyback scheme when Australia tightened its gun laws in 1996. Some are stolen from firearm dealers.

“Some are illegally manufactured, even using 3D printing. They may also be illegally imported.”

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How did Bondi shooters get their guns?