Australia’s prime minister has called the attack ‘an act of pure evil’ – Image: Mark Baker/AP Photo/picture alliance
16 people are now confirmed dead in shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Australia. One gunman was among those killed in a massaker targeting a Jewish Hanukkah event at Sydney’s most popular beach. Police have declared the attack a terrorist incident.
What you need to know
- At least 15 were killed in a shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, police say, with around 40 injured
- One suspect has also been killed, and another has been detained
- Police say the suspects are a father and son
- The attack targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration
- Police are treating the attack as a ‘terrorist’ incident
- Around 1,000 people, including families with children, were present
- Australia‘s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has proposed ‘tougher gun laws’ in response
Australian Prime Minister Albanese proposes ‘tougher gun laws’
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday that his government was considering tougher gun laws after the Bondi beach shooting.
The laws under consideration by the center-left government include limiting the number of guns used or licensed by individuals, and periodically reviewing gun licenses.
“The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary. Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws,” Albanese said.
Earlier, Australian police said that one of the gunmen was licensed to hold six firearms.
“People’s circumstances can change. People can be radicalized over a period of time. Licenses should not be in perpetuity,” Albanese added.
Heightened security at Hanukkah events in major cities
Security presence was bolstered at Hanukkah events in major cities around the world, following Sunday’s deadly mass shooting.
Cities including Berlin, London and New York stepped up security measures in the wake of the attack in Sydney.
“We have long planned comprehensive security for tonight’s Hanukkah event at the Brandenburg Gate — in light of the events in Sydney, we will further intensify our measures and maintain a strong police presence there,” the Berlin police said on X.
London’s Metropolitan Police said there would be an “increased presence around synagogues and other community venues at this important time.”
In a statement, the Met said that while there was no information to suggest a link between the attack in Sydney and any threat level in London, they would still be stepping up presence.
New York police also said they would also be bolstering police presence.
“While there is currently no specific or credible threat to Hanukkah celebrations here, the NYPD will be out in full force at events and synagogues so that our communities can gather safely,” the NYPD said on X.
Man who disarmed Bondi gunman recovering after surgery, say family
The family of the man who was filmed wrestling a firearm away from one of the Bondi gunmen told local media that he is recovering after surgery.
The man — identified by local media as Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner — was filmed charging at one of the gunmen and disarming him.
He underwent surgery for bullet wounds to his arm and hands.
Ahmed’s cousin Mustafa told broadcaster, 7News Australia, that doctors had informed the family that Ahmed was in a stable condition, following surgery.
“He is a hero, he is a hundred percent hero,” Mustafa said. “Still he is in the hospital and we don’t know exactly what’s going on inside … but we hope he will be fine.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Ahmed with just over A$200,000 ($132,900, €113,338) raised in a few hours.
IN PICTURES — Tributes for victims of Bondi Beach mass shooting
People have been gathering at Sydney’s Bondi Beach after Sunday’s mass shooting in which a father and son pair of gunmen killed at least 15 people – Image: Hollie Adams/REUTERS
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits the scene where he laid flowers at the Bondi Pavillion – Image: Dean Lewins/IMAGO
One of the victims of the shooting was an Israeli citizen – Image: Mark Baker/AP Photo/picture alliance
Older perpetrator had six gun licenses, police commissioner says
Meanwhile, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that the 50-year-old perpetrator, who is deceased, held six gun licenses — with all six firearms having been recovered.
Later on in the news conference in response to questions from the media that were present, Lanyon added that the gun license had been held for 10 years.
With the investigation continuing to progress, the police commissioner also said there was currently no indication that the attack had been planned.
Two search warrants were also produced for two properties in the suburbs of Sydney, in Campsie and Bonnyrigg, with searches having taken place overnight.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) described the attack as an ‘act of pure evil’ during a press conference with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns – Image: Mick Tsikas/AAP/dpa/picture allianc
Victims ranged from age 10-87, New South Wales Premier says
During the same press conference, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed that 15 people and one perpetrator had died.
One of the deceased was also confirmed to have been a child, with the victims’ ages ranging from 10 years old to 87 years old.
A further 42 victims currently remain in hospital, including two police officers.
“What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores in an iconic Australian location, Bondi Beach, that is associated with joy, associated with families gathering, associated with celebrations,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Monday.
(DW.com/NAN 15-12-25)
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