The worst terrorist attack in three decades in Australia.
Large-scale attacks have become rare in Australia since strict gun control measures were implemented following the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
According to Reuters on December 15, a terrorist attack on the Hanukkah festival at Australia's most famous beach, Bondi, on December 14 left at least 15 people dead, including one of the attackers, after gunmen opened fire from a nearby pedestrian bridge. Police said the deceased ranged in age from 10 to 87. In addition, 29 others, including two police officers involved in responding to the attack, were taken to hospital with multiple injuries.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “This targeted attack on Australian Jews on the first day of Hanukkah, a day that should be a day of celebration, is a heinous act of anti-Semitism.”
The Albanese Prime Minister said a memorial had been set up behind the Bondi Arena and he encouraged people to come and lay flowers in remembrance. He added that the number of people inquiring about blood donation had reached a record high.
According to Reuters, Australian police said on the morning of December 15 that the two shooting suspects were father and son, as Australia began commemorating the victims of the worst gun violence in nearly 30 years.
A Sydney fruit shop owner who wrestled a gun from one of the attackers during the mass shooting at Bondi Beach is recovering in hospital after undergoing surgery for gunshot wounds.
Premier Chris Minns said the state government is considering changes to gun laws but is not ready to make an announcement by December 15.
"That means bringing a bill to parliament that would make it harder to own these terrible weapons, which have no practical value in our communities. If you're not a farmer, not involved in agriculture, why would you need these huge weapons to endanger the public?" - Premier Chris Minns said.
