Bondi beach massacre: Donald Trump and other world leaders pay their respects victims of terror attack
World leaders, including US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, offered solidarity after the Bondi Beach massacre.
At least 16 people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed in a horrific attack targeting a Jewish event on Australia’s iconic beach; The oldest victim was 87 years old.
More than 40 people were injured, including two police officers who were taken to hospital.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke in Sydney on Monday morning before visiting the scene and thanked world leaders who had reached out to show their support.
“I thank President Trump, President Macron, Prime Minister Starmer and other world leaders around the world,” he said.
“(They) have now arrived in Australia and we thank you for your sympathy and solidarity with our values.
“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.”
Mr. Trump acknowledged the official event and told Fox News that Jewish Americans should be able to “celebrate proudly” during Hanukkah celebrations.
Speaking at a White House Christmas event on Sunday, Mr Trump called it a “horrific attack” and also praised the Sutherland man who tackled one of the gunmen.
“I just want to pay my respects to the public, unfortunately two are no longer with us, Brown University, nine are injured and two are looking down on us from heaven right now,” Mr. Trump said.
“Likewise, it was a terrible attack in Australia. 11 dead, 29 seriously injured, and it was clearly an anti-Semitic attack. I want to pay my respects to everyone. It was a difficult day.”
American FBI director Kash Patel said his agency had provided “requested assistance” to Australia regarding the terrorist attack.
“I have been in contact with our counterparts in Australia regarding the horrific attack on the Hanukkah festival in Sydney,” he wrote to X.
“We are providing the requested assistance and will update with more information as we can.”
Mr Macron said France conveyed its thoughts to the victims of the attack. “We share the pain of the Australian people and continue to fight relentlessly against the anti-Semitic hatred that hurts wherever it strikes,” he wrote to X.
Expats in the UK gathered for a memorial service outside the Australian High Commission in central London on Sunday evening.
Sir Starmer shared his condolences as he sent X a photo of himself and wife Victoria lighting a Hanukkah menorah in a window.
“As we light Hanukiah, our thoughts and prayers are with those killed in today’s terrorist attack on Bondi Beach, their loved ones and the entire Jewish community,” he said.
“Light will always triumph over darkness.”
Police forces in England and Scotland have vowed to increase their presence around synagogues and Jewish events.
London’s Metropolitan Police Service wrote to
