Sydney Shooting: What We Know

On Sunday, a father and his son opened fire on a crowd celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah on a famous beach in Sydney, resulting in at least 15 deaths and over 40 injuries. The attack has been labeled as "terrorist" and "anti-Semitic" by Australia, which declared a national day of mourning on Monday.

On Monday morning at Bondi Beach, a popular spot for Australians and tourists alike, personal belongings were still scattered on the blood-stained sand hours after the ten-minute attack, sending shockwaves across this vast nation and the world.

Australia will lower its flags to half-mast in a sign of national mourning for the victims, announced Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

He condemned the attack as "a targeted assault against Australian Jews on the first day of Hanukkah, a day that should be joyous, a celebration of faith, a malicious, anti-Semitic, and terrorist act that struck at the heart of our nation." Hanukkah, known as the festival of lights, is celebrated over nine days in December.

"An Attack Against All Australians"

"An attack against Australian Jews is an attack against all Australians," emphasized Mr. Albanese.

The local police chief, Mal Lanyon, described it as a "terrorist act," noting that investigators had found an explosive device in a vehicle linked to the deceased assailant.

The attack devastated Bondi Beach, Australia's most famous beach, typically bustling with thousands of walkers, swimmers, and surfers on weekends.

"We heard the gunfire. It was shocking... ten minutes of continuous gunfire," recounted Camilo Diaz, a 25-year-old Chilean student at the scene.

British tourist Timothy Brant-Coles told AFP he saw "two shooters dressed in black and armed with semi-automatic rifles."

"A Father and His Son"

According to New South Wales police, the assailants were a father and son. The father, 50, was shot dead by police, while the 24-year-old son was injured and hospitalized in critical condition.

On the green hill overlooking the beach, an AFP journalist saw a child's stroller, bags, and towels left behind by people who fled for safety during the gunfire.

ABC television reported people lying in the grass near the beach, with "blood everywhere," according to local resident Harry Wilson.

By Sunday night, the usually bustling beach and surrounding areas had been evacuated and cordoned off.

Prime Minister Albanese condemned the "evil that has unleashed itself on Bondi Beach beyond comprehension."

However, he praised the "heroes" who intervened to try to subdue the shooters.

A video that went viral on social media shows a passerby rushing up from behind to grab one of the assailants and wrestle the weapon away from him before pointing it back at him and forcing him to flee.

World leaders condemned the attack fiercely.

"Purely Anti-Semitic"

US President Donald Trump called the attack "terrible" and "purely anti-Semitic."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured that "Europe stands with Australia and Jewish communities worldwide."

In Israel, President Isaac Herzog referred to it as a "very cruel attack against Jews" carried out by "despicable terrorists."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly denounced the resurgence of anti-Semitism globally since the massacre on October 7, 2023, and the war in Gaza, criticized it as a "cancer that spreads when leaders remain silent and do not act."

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urged his Australian counterpart Penny Wong to "take firm action" against anti-Semitism.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed their solidarity, especially since a French citizen was among the victims.

One of the deceased is Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, born in London and a father of five.

The Australian National Imams Council condemned this "traumatic attack."

"This is a moment for all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, to stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity," the organization added.

A series of anti-Semitic attacks has instilled fear among Jews in Australia for over two years, and Canberra has accused Tehran of being behind two of these acts, expelling the Iranian ambassador four months ago.

The Celebrated Hero

Australians and President Donald Trump have praised the courage of the "hero" who disarmed a shooter during the deadly attack on a Sydney beach, labeled "anti-Semitic" and "terrorist" by authorities, with his act going viral on social media.

After the attack on Bondi Beach, images have circulated online showing a man tackling one of the shooters as he opened fire.

The man then successfully wrested the weapon from the assailant's hands before aiming it back at him as he retreated.

"This is an extremely brave person who confronted one of the shooters and saved many lives. This very courageous person is currently hospitalized with serious injuries," commented Donald Trump from the White House.

"Amid all this horror and sadness, there are still wonderful and brave Australians ready to risk their lives to help a complete stranger," reacted the Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns.

Local media 7News identified him as Ahmed al Ahmed, 43, a fruit vendor, and reported that he was shot twice.

The media spoke to a man named Mustapha, who claims to be his cousin. "He is in the hospital, and we do not know exactly what is happening inside," he said. "We hope that he recovers well. He is a hero 100%."

Online, Ahmed al Ahmed has been celebrated for his courage and responsiveness.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also hailed him and others as "heroes."