New South Wales Police confirmed in a new statement that more people were confirmed dead after two “terrorists” targeted a Jewish celebration
Police have said 16 people have died and 40 others remain in hospital following the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. New South Wales Police confirmed sixteen people, including a British-born rabbi, died when two “terrorist” gunmen targeted a Jewish celebration at the popular beach.
The gunmen, armed with what police have described as “long guns”, opened fire on the Archer Park area of the popular beach at 6.47pm local time on Sunday. The attack has been declared a terrorist incident targeting a Hanukkah celebration at a park next to the beach on the first day of the Jewish festival of lights, also known as Chanukah, the force confirmed.
British-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, has been named as one of the victims. The dad-of-five’s family called him a “joyful rabbi”. The 41-year-old and his wife, Chayala, celebrated the birth of their youngest child two months ago.
Dad-of-two Ahmed al Ahmed, from Sydney, has been hailed a hero for tackling one of the gunmen before wrestling the weapon away from him. Video shared on social media shows the gunman then backing away.
His family have said that the 43-year-old fruit shop owner remains in hospital for bullet wounds to his arm and hand and called him a “100% hero”, while New South Wales Premier Chris Minns praised him as a “genuine hero”.
Mr Minns told a press conference: “This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah, what should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters, has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack.”
Mr Minns confirmed one of the alleged gunmen has been killed while the other is in police custody. Malcolm Lanyon, the commissioner of New South Wales Police, said the injured, including two police officers, had been transported to hospitals around the Sydney area.
He said that “several improvised explosive devices” had been found in a car at Bondi Beach linked to the deceased gunman which were being dealt with by bomb disposal experts.
Mr Lanyon added that the deceased offender had been known to the authorities, but there had been no “specific threat”. He said: “If the police had had intelligence there was a risk to the community or to this event, we would have taken significant action.”
Mr Lanyon said that police were also investigating the possibility of a third offender “to leave no stone left unturned”.
Prime minister Keir Starmer sent his condolences following the shooting. In a statement posted on X on Saturday morning, Sir Keir said: “Deeply distressing news from Australia.
“The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack in Bondi Beach. I’m being kept updated on the developing situation.”
Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper has told any British people caught up in the Bondi Beach shooting to contact the consulate for support. In a post on X, she said: “The scenes from Bondi Beach are deeply shocking and distressing.
“My thoughts are with everyone affected and Australia’s emergency services. British nationals should follow local police and authorities advice and can contact the British Consulate General Sydney for support.”
King Charles III added: “My wife and I are appalled and saddened by the most dreadful anti-Semitic terrorist attack on Jewish people attending the Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community.
“We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy. In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia – and the light at the heart of the Chanukah festival – will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”
The Metropolitan Police said it is “stepping up our police presence” in London following the Hanukkah gun attack at Bondi beach in Sydney, Australia. A statement from the force said: “At a time when London’s Jewish communities are coming together to begin the celebration of Hannukah, we know this attack will be the cause of not just terrible upset but also significant heightened concern about safety.
“We were already working closely with partners, including the Community Security Trust, to provide an increased presence around synagogues and other community venues at this important time.
“While there is no information to suggest any link between the attack in Sydney and the threat level in London, this morning we are stepping up our police presence, carrying out additional community patrols and engaging with the Jewish community to understand what more we can do in the coming hours and days.
“We always encourage the public to be vigilant at events and in public places. If you see anything suspicious, trust your instincts and tell us.”
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