MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A tragic mass shooting occurred during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett described the incident as a "terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State" during a press conference on Tuesday.
Authorities apprehended two suspects, a father and son aged 50 and 24, respectively. The older suspect was shot dead, while his son remains in critical condition at a hospital. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed their motivations were supported by evidence, including the presence of Islamic State flags found in a vehicle connected to the assailants.
Currently, 25 individuals are receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained in the massacre, with 10 of these patients classified as being in critical condition. Among the injured is Ahmed al Ahmed, who heroically tackled and disarmed one of the attackers, an act that was captured on video.
The victims of the shooting ranged in age from 10 to 87 years old, all attending the festive Hanukkah event when chaos erupted. In light of this incident, both Albanese and various state leaders have committed to tightening Australia's strict gun laws, marking the most significant reforms since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which claimed 35 lives. Since then, mass shootings in Australia have been relatively rare.
Public scrutiny and outrage have surged following the attack, with many questioning how the suspects managed to plan and execute such an act and whether enough measures were in place to protect Australian Jews from escalating antisemitism. Albanese has proposed additional gun access restrictions, especially since the older suspect had legally obtained a collection of six firearms.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon disclosed that the suspects made a trip to the Philippines last month, prompting an investigation into the purpose and destination of their trip. A vehicle linked to the younger suspect was also found to contain improvised explosive devices and two homemade ISIS flags, signaling potential premeditated intent.
In the aftermath of the attack, Australian citizens came together, with record numbers signing up to donate blood. The national organization Lifeblood reported a remarkable surge in appointments, with nearly 50,000 requests on the first day following the tragedy. Over 1,300 individuals donated for the first time, with reports of individuals waiting in line for up to four hours at blood donation centers.
Earlier, Prime Minister Albanese visited Ahmed al Ahmed in the hospital, expressing gratitude for his courage during the attack, calling him a "true Australian hero." Albanese emphasized Australia's resilience and unity in the face of such violence, reinforcing that the nation would not be divided by acts of terror.
During the chaos of the shooting, lifeguards at Bondi Beach were commended for their swift actions. Lifeguard Rory Davey performed ocean rescues while others helped direct terrified beachgoers away from danger. These community efforts highlighted the bravery of ordinary individuals amid a grim situation.
Israel’s Ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, also visited Bondi Beach to express solidarity with the Jewish community, stating, "My heart is torn apart because the Jewish community... is also my community." Since the incident, thousands have visited Bondi Beach to pay their respects at an impromptu memorial site, leaving flowers and messages of condolence.
