Key Takeaways
- A father and son, Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram, have been identified as the alleged shooters in a terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi beach
- The attack resulted in the deaths of 15 people, including one child, and injured 40 others
- The Australian government has condemned the attack as "an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism"
- The government is considering changing gun laws in the state to make it more difficult to obtain firearms
- A memorial site has been established at the rear of the Bondi pavilion, and the public is encouraged to lay flowers and donate blood
Introduction to the Attack
The city of Sydney is still reeling from a devastating terrorist attack that occurred at Bondi beach, resulting in the deaths of 15 people, including one child, and injuring 40 others. The attack, which was carried out by a father and son, Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram, has been condemned by the Australian government as "an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism". The attack, which was targeted at the Jewish community, occurred on the first day of Hanukah, a joyous celebration that has been forever tarnished by this senseless act of violence.
The Alleged Shooters
The alleged shooters, Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, have been identified as the perpetrators of the attack. Sajid Akram was shot by police and died at the scene, while his son suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard. The NSW police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, stated that based on the younger man’s medical condition, it was likely he would face criminal charges. The Akrams were known to police, but there was no indication that the attack was planned. Sajid Akram had been in possession of a firearms licence for about 10 years and was a member of a gun club.
Response to the Attack
The Australian government has responded quickly to the attack, with the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, and the NSW premier, Chris Minns, visiting the scene and condemning the attack. The government has also announced plans to change gun laws in the state to make it more difficult to obtain firearms. Minns stated that the government was looking to introduce a bill to parliament to make it more difficult to get "horrifying weapons" that have no practical use in the community. The NSW police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, also announced that 328 police officers would be on the ground in suburbs with significant Jewish populations on Monday under Operation Shelter.
Investigation and Aftermath
The investigation into the attack is ongoing, with detectives from the Joint Counter Terrorism Team working to piece together the events surrounding the attack. The police have confirmed that they are not looking for a third shooter and have found two "basic" explosive devices at the scene, which were rendered safe by police. The attack has also had a significant impact on the community, with many people leaving items behind as they fled the scene, including shopping bags, bike helmets, and boxes of takeaway food. The NSW Ambulance commissioner, Dr Dominic Morgan, praised the work of paramedics who treated patients under fire, stating that their actions had contributed to the saving of lives.
Tributes and Support
Tributes have been pouring in for the victims of the attack, including London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, who was assistant rabbi at Jewish cultural centre Chabad of Bondi, and Alex Kleytman, a Ukrainian-born Holocaust survivor. The Israeli foreign ministry has also confirmed that one of the victims was an Israeli citizen. The public is encouraged to lay flowers and donate blood at the memorial site established at the rear of the Bondi pavilion. Support is also available for those affected by the attack, with helplines available in Australia, the UK, and internationally.
Conclusion and Reflection
The attack on Bondi beach is a devastating reminder of the evil that exists in the world and the importance of standing together against hate and intolerance. The Australian government and community have responded quickly and decisively to the attack, and it is clear that the country will come together to support the victims and their families. As the investigation into the attack continues, it is essential that we remember the victims and work towards creating a safer and more inclusive society for all. The president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, David Ossip, has called for an investigation into how antisemitism was allowed to escalate to this point, and it is essential that we take this opportunity to reflect on our values and work towards a more compassionate and tolerant society.
