Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke to the nation Sunday following the massacre at Bondi Beach's Hanukkah lighting ceremony. "This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians, a day of joy, a celebration of faith," he said. The leader noted, "An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian, and every Australian tonight will be like me, devastated on this attack on our way of life,"
He insisted, "There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation, and let me be clear, we will eradicate it. Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity." Albanese promised, "Our security agencies will provide you with factual updates as quickly as possible." He termed the shooting "an act of evil antisemitism, terrorism, that has struck the heart of our nation."
"The evil that was unleashed today at Bondi Beach is beyond comprehension," he remarked, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. He concluded, "Every Australian tonight will be, like me, devastated. The trauma and loss that families are dealing with tonight is beyond anyone's worst nightmare." Australians have had their lives cruelly stolen and many have been injured."
Separately, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated that improvised explosive devices were discovered in a vehicle on Campbell Parade, the street just next to the beach. "We have our rescue bomb disposal unit there," Lanyon told The Sydney Morning Herald. He added, "They will take the appropriate action." The car was "linked to the deceased offender," he noted.
Australian police sources revealed the identity of one of the terrorists who killed 11 people at a Hanukkah party at Bondi Beach in Sydney, the Australian news network ABC reported on Sunday.
According to the report, the shooter is Naveed Akram, an Australian citizen of Pakistani descent, 24, who resided in Sydney. The news network confirmed that his driver's license was exposed by social media users and that the details in the photo are authentic, and his home in the Sydney suburb of Bonnyrigg was being raided by law-enforcement officials.
The network did not report the motive for which the young Muslim man carried out the massacre. Social media users found documentation of the man participating in religious classes at a local Islamic center in Sydney.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns updated the public, stating the attack was designed to target Sydney's Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. He expressed that the state's heart bleeds for the Jewish community, imagining the pain of seeing loved ones killed during the holiday. Minns described the investigation as massive and complex, acknowledging that while answers were scarce, the city had some crucial information.
Minns cited the support from ordinary Australians and the pressure faced by police – who he said did not falter – as key elements. He also noted the extraordinary acts of personal courage by individuals willing to risk their lives to help others.
Julian Leeser, federal MP for Berowra, released a statement. "Tonight's unfolding terror attack at Bondi Beach, occurring on the first night of Chanukah, is a horrifying tragedy," he said, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. "For Australians, tonight has turned into one of grief and shock."
Leeser urged, "We must come together, check in on one another, support our Jewish friends and offer comfort where it is needed." He added, "My heart goes out to those who were in Bondi, spending time with their family and friends, only to be confronted with fear and violence."
"Our Jewish community, which is known for its courage and stoicism, is shaken tonight," Leeser observed. He continued, "I want to thank the NSW Police officers, paramedics, other first responders and members of the public who moved swiftly to protect lives and secure the area under extremely difficult circumstances." He finished, "Even in darkness, light endures. Tonight, the values at the heart of Chanukah matter more than ever."
The Sydney Morning Herald noted Leeser was the first Jewish person elected to the House from NSW for the Liberals. Commissioner Lanyon formally designated the event a terrorist act. "At 9.36pm, I declared this to be a terrorist incident," he said.
Lanyon confirmed special powers were active, stating "and we are currently investigating that at the moment – we will make sure that we prevent any further activity." He noted one shooter was dead and another hospitalized. The commissioner requested calm. "We have police right around the city at the moment," he said. "Our job is to respond to intelligence we get."
He added, "The police responded quickly. The police have responded in numbers. We have a significant investigation underway at the moment." Premier Minns confirmed the death toll. "As of now, there are at least 12 individuals that have been killed," he told The Sydney Morning Herald.
"One of the shooters has also been killed," Minns added. Lanyon clarified the 12 dead included the offender. Minns convened a crisis cabinet meeting to coordinate the response, delaying his media appearance.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the violence. "I am horrified and condemn today's heinous deadly attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hanukkah," he said, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. "My heart is with the Jewish community worldwide on this first day of Hanukkah, a festival celebrating the miracle of peace and light vanquishing darkness."
