Australian PM hits out at ‘pure evil’ as father and son revealed as Bondi Beach terrorists | World | News
Australia’s prime minister has said the Bondi Beach attack was “pure evil”. Anthony Albanese spoke in Canberra this evening to address the terrorist attack on Bondi Beach. At least 16 people, including a 10-year-old girl, died in the terrorist attack on Sydney’s Bondi Beach earlier today. While more than a thousand people gathered in the tourist attraction to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah on Sunday evening, two men opened fire; It included video from the scene showing people running for their lives.
It was stated that one of the attackers, a 50-year-old man, was among the 16 people confirmed dead after he was shot by police and died at the scene. It was determined that two of the attackers were father and son.
During the press conference, Mr Albanese said: “What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores, associated with joy, associated with the gathering of families, associated with celebrations on our shores at Bondi Beach, an iconic part of Australia.”
He added that the beach was now “stained forever” because of the incident.
He continued: “Today the Jewish community is suffering. Today all Australians are embracing them and saying ‘we are with you’. We will do whatever it takes to end antisemitism. It is a scourge and together we will eliminate it.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that every necessary resource will be allocated to intervene in the incident. He added that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) were working closely with New South Wales authorities and that the AFP Commissioner would return to Australia that day.
He praised the bravery of first responders and ordinary citizens who responded during the attack.
He said: “People who run into danger to show the best of the Australian character, that’s who we are. People who stand up for our values. Flags across the country will be flown at half-mast today, we pay our respects to all those missing and injured and we finish by saying yes, this was indeed a dark day in our nation’s history but we as a nation are stronger than the cowards who did this.”
He also thanked world leaders, including President Trump, President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer, for expressing sympathy and solidarity.
“Australia will never give in to division, violence or hatred and we will get through this together. As a nation, we refuse to let them divide us.”
