Waverley Council has expressed its abject horror at the terrorist shooting attack on Jewish festival goers at Bondi Beach in Sydney last night, which has so far claimed the lives of 16 people, including one of the two gunmen.
In a statement, the Council said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with anyone who has been impacted by this horrendous act, which occurred as Chanukah festivities were taking place.
“Waverley Council is working closely with emergency services and will provide updates when further information becomes available.A police operation is ongoing after a public place shooting by two men at Bondi Beach earlier today.”
Sixteen people have been confirmed dead, including one of the shooters, 24-year-old Naveed Akram. The second shooter – his father Sajid Akram, 50 – is in a critical but stable condition in hospital.
Twenty-nine people were transported to hospital with injuries as a result of the attack, including two NSW Police officers.
NSW Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon was quick to declare the event a terrorist incident, activating special powers for Police and related State and Australian counter terrorism agencies at around 9.30pm on Sunday.
In an earlier statement, NSW Police said emergency services were called to Campbell Parade – the busy retail and hospitality outlet street that runs parallel with the famous shoreline – in Bondi at around 6.45pm, responding to reports of shots being fired.
It’s believed two men opened fire on festival goers from a pedestrian bridge which connects Campbell Parade to the beach and pavilion area.
Footage captured by a bystander showed a member of the public approaching and disarming one of the shooters, who then retreats to the footbridge and obtains another weapon.
After around nine minutes of gunfire, the two shooters were taken into Police custody on the pedestrian bridge – one dead and one critically injured.
Following the shooting, Police also confirmed a number of suspicious items, including a pipe bomb, were located in a vehicle in the vicinity of the attack.
Soon after the shooting, Police executed a search warrant on a home in the western Sydney suburb of Bonnyrigg, believed to be the home of one of the alleged shooters.
“Our hearts bleed for Australia’s Jewish community,” said NSW Premier, Chris Minns at a press conference following the incident.
“It’s the responsibility of all Australians to wrap their arms around Australia’s Jewish community
“The ourpouring of love and support from ordinary Australians for Jewish Australians is real.”
In a statement following the shooting, the Jewish Council of Australia said members were “horrified and shaken”.
“This is the first night of Chanukah when we gather with loved ones and friends to light the Chanukiah. Many within our community have just received the worst news of their lives. Others are caring for injured loved ones, and some are still waiting to hear that their families are safe,” the Council said.
“To be confronted with this horrific act of antisemitic violence during the Jewish festival of light and hope is shattering. In moments like this, we hold each other close.
“We should all be able to gather with our communities, practice our culture, and worship in safety.
“Our hearts are with our friends, family, fellow community members and everyone impacted by this terrifying event.”
Other local government organisations were quick to offer support. In a statement, Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner said he and his family had joined Brisbane’s Jewish community on the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday.
“This afternoon’s shocking attack during a Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration is horrific and distressing,” he said in a statement.
“While we don’t yet know all the details, this is not the Australia we all know and love.
“We are a peaceful and loving nation and the deliberate targeting of any group isn’t just an attack on them, it’s an attack on us all and our way of life.
“I can only hope this horror will lead to a proper national conversation about how we can stamp out this hate and come together as a nation.
“Tonight we have dimmed the lights on Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Bridge and Victoria Bridge to acknowledge this tragedy,” he said.
Neighbouring Randwick City Council Mayor, Dylan Parker said his local community members were “heartbroken by the heinous terrorist attack”.
“We are shocked by the scenes of gunmen firing on innocent people including children,” he said.
“I heard the news of this antisemitic terror attack firsthand standing alongside members of our Jewish community at a Coogee Hannukah event with reports of a major incident emerging literally as we were lighting the first candle on the Hanukkiah.
“Rightfully members of the Jewish community, indeed the entire community, will be feeling scared and angry right now. We stand with Bondi and the entire Jewish community at this devastating time and offer our deepest condolences to you and to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.
“Our entire community wraps our arms around you in the wake of this atrocious antisemitic terror attack.
“As members of the Jewish community know all too well and as we would all do well to remember – darkness will not prevail.
“I want to acknowledge the extraordinary courage of police, paramedics and bystanders who acted quickly and bravely in the face of extreme danger.”
The NSW Government has set up a dedicated web page for official information about the attack: https://www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/bondi-beach-attack.
Anyone directly impacted by this tragedy can access support through the NSW Victims Support Scheme. The scheme provides free counselling and financial assistance to people affected by violent crime, including injured victims, witnesses and families who have lost a loved one.
Victims Services has set up a dedicated phone line for victims and family members affected by the Bondi Beach incident. Call 1800 411 822, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
If you are feeling not right as a result of the coverage, need immediate emotional and mental health support, Lifeline is available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14, and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
The community can also call the NSW Health’s dedicated Mental Health Line, which is available 24/7 on 1800 011 511.
Children and young people can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au
If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
