In the wake of a tragic mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, US President Donald Trump has called for a unified international response to combat the “evil forces of radical Islamic terrorism.” The attack, which claimed the lives of 15 people on Bondi Beach, has sent shockwaves globally and prompted strong condemnation from world leaders.
Speaking at a White House event marking the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, President Trump extended his “love and prayers” to the people of Australia and those affected by the “horrific and anti-semitic terrorist attack.” He emphasized the critical need for all nations to stand together against extremist ideologies that fuel such violence. This incident, carried out by a father-son duo, targeted a gathering of Jewish individuals during a festive occasion.
The perpetrators, identified as Sajid Akram and his son Naveed, opened fire on Sunday, turning a joyful event into a scene of devastation. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unequivocally labeled the massacre as an act of antisemitic terrorism that deeply wounded the nation. The shooting marks one of the deadliest incidents in Australia in almost three decades, particularly noteworthy given the country’s stringent gun control measures.
Authorities confirmed that one of the gunmen was fatally shot by police officers, while his son sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical attention. While police acknowledged that one attacker was previously known to security services, there were no immediate indications of a planned attack. The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 years old, with many others requiring hospitalization, some in critical condition.