NSW police chief pleads for calm and warns against retribution after Bondi terror attack
NSW’s most senior police officer has appealed for calm and urged against “revenge” following the Bondi terror attack that killed at least a dozen people.
Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the mass attack on the first night of Channukah was “shameful”, adding: “The Jewish community has the right to feel safe.”
The scare emerged at 6.47pm on Sunday night when Mr Lanyon said 29 people, including two police officers, had been taken to hospital.
He told reporters: “Can I say that this is a quiet time? This is a time when I want to make sure that there will be no revenge.”
“The police are conducting a thorough investigation. We took immediate action. We took decisive action. Can I ask for calm in society, can I allow the police to do their job?”
NSW Premier Chris Minns declared the horrific attack at Bondi Beach an act of terrorism at a press conference with NSW Police.
He added: “Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to all the families and everyone involved tonight.
“We know that there were a lot of people there to celebrate a happy event, the Hanukkah celebration, and there were over a thousand people there when that event happened.
“This kind of disgraceful activity, this wanton use of violence, this taking of innocent lives is unacceptable in New South Wales. This is not our way of life.”
As gunshots echo in the suburbs, the couple is seen carrying a double-barreled shotgun and firing.
‘Support each other’
The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), the NSW Imams Council and Australian Muslims announced that they condemned the attacks.
In their statement, the groups said: “These acts of violence and crimes have no place in our society. Those responsible must be fully held accountable and face the full force of the law.”
“Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and everyone who witnessed or was affected by this deeply traumatic attack. We commemorate the pain, fear and distress felt by the community and extend our deepest compassion and support to all who are suffering.
“We urge the community to remain vigilant, be careful and support each other during this challenging time.
“This is a moment for all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, to stand together in unity, compassion and solidarity, rejecting all forms of violence and reaffirming our shared commitment to the social cohesion and security of all Australians.”
