NSW Premier, Chris Minns, has condemned last night’s “cowardly” terrorist attack on the Jewish Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach, which saw 16 people shot dead and 29 injured after two gunmen opened fire on crowds.
Premier Minns said the act of “terrifying violence” was shocking and painful to see, and “represents some of our worst fears of terrorism in Sydney”.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah. What should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack.
“I can assure the community it will be met with a massive and comprehensive police and public order response,” he said.
“It is the responsibility of all Australians to wrap our arms around Australia’s Jewish community and help them through this incredibly difficult period.
“This is a massive, complex investigation that has only just begun.”
The incident was swiftly declared a terrorist incident at around 9.30pm on Sunday night by NSW Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon, in a press conference.
Sixteen people have been confirmed dead in the shooting event, including one of the gunmen, who has been identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram. The second shooter – his father Sajid Akram, 50, is in a critical but stable condition in hospital.
At that time, 29 people had also been transported to a number of hospitals across Sydney with serious injuries as a result of the attack, including two NSW Police officers.
Commissioner Lanyon declared the event a terrorist incident, activating special powers for Police and related State and Australian counter terrorism agencies.
In an earlier statement, NSW Police said emergency services were called to Campbell Parade – the busy retail and hospitality outlet street that runs parallel with the famous shoreline – in Bondi at around 6.45pm, responding to reports of shots being fired.
It’s believed two men opened fire on festival goers from a pedestrian bridge which connects Campbell Parade to the beach and pavilion area.
Footage captured by a bystander showed a member of the public approaching and disarming one of the shooters, who then retreats to the footbridge and obtains another weapon.
After around nine minutes of gunfire, the two shooters were taken into Police custody on the pedestrian bridge – one dead and one critically injured.
Following the shooting, Police also confirmed a number of suspicious items, including a pipe bomb, were located in a vehicle in the vicinity of the attack.
Soon after the shooting, Police executed a search warrant on a home in the western Sydney suburb of Bonnyrigg, believed to be the home of one of the alleged shooters.
In a statement following the shooting, the Jewish Council of Australia said its members were “horrified and shaken”.
“This is the first night of Chanukah when we gather with loved ones and friends to light the Chanukiah. Many within our community have just received the worst news of their lives. Others are caring for injured loved ones, and some are still waiting to hear that their families are safe,” the Council said.
“To be confronted with this horrific act of antisemitic violence during the Jewish festival of light and hope is shattering. In moments like this, we hold each other close.
“We should all be able to gather with our communities, practice our culture, and worship in safety.
“Our hearts are with our friends, family, fellow community members and everyone impacted by this terrifying event.”
In a statement shortly before midnight on Sunday, the Queensland Police Service extended its deepest sympathies and unwavering support to the victims, their families, and the entire Bondi community in the wake of the tragic events that have unfolded.
“The incident being declared as an act of terrorism underscores the gravity of the situation, and our thoughts are with all those affected,” Queensland Police said.
“We commend the swift and courageous response of the emergency services and law enforcement agencies in New South Wales, who are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the community.
“We have reached out to leaders of Queensland’s Jewish community to offer our support during this challenging time. We understand that this incident may cause heightened concern and distress, and we encourage anyone who feels impacted to seek assistance and support.
“We continue to provide an increased police presence around places of worship and significance to the Jewish community. Additional police patrols are to provide reassurance to the community so that they are safe and can feel safe.
“The safety and security of our communities remain our highest priority,” it stated.
