What Did Australian PM Albanese Say About the Disturbing Bondi Beach Shooting?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mass shooting at Bondi Beach resulted in 10 deaths.
- Prime Minister Albanese described scenes as shocking.
- 11 individuals, including police, were injured.
- NSW Police continue active operations.
- Community concerns about safety are escalating.
Canberra, Dec 14 (NationPress) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his profound shock on Sunday after a mass shooting near a Jewish gathering at Bondi Beach in Sydney claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including one of the perpetrators. He described the scenes as "shocking and distressing".
In a statement posted on X, Albanese mentioned that he has communicated with Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Krissy Barrett and New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns, urging the public to heed the information released by NSW Police.
"The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing. Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected. I have just spoken to the AFP Commissioner and with the NSW Premier. We are collaborating with the NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed. I urge people in the vicinity to follow information from the NSW Police," Albanese stated on X.
This statement comes in the wake of a shooting incident at Bondi Beach on Sunday, where at least 10 individuals, including one of the gunmen, were reported dead, according to the NSW Police Force.
Authorities reported that 11 individuals, including a second shooter, sustained injuries during the incident, as reported by ABC News.
NSW Police Force released a statement on X, saying, "Two people are in police custody at Bondi Beach; however, the police operation is ongoing and we continue to urge people to avoid the area. Please obey ALL police directions. Do not cross police lines."
In another statement, they updated, "A police operation is ongoing after a public place shooting by two men at Bondi Beach earlier today. Ten people have been confirmed dead, including a man believed to be one of the shooters. The second alleged shooter is in a critical condition. At this time, a further 11 people are reported to be injured, two of which are police officers."
The CEO of the Australian Jewish Association, Robert Gregory, also commented via X, stating, "What transpired tonight is a tragedy but entirely foreseeable. The Albanese government was warned numerous times yet failed to implement adequate measures to safeguard the Jewish community. Tonight, many Jews are questioning their future in Australia. Our thoughts are with our community and all those affected, some of whom we are close to."
Meanwhile, the Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, expressed his horror at the shooting attack during a Hanukkah event in Sydney, attributing it to the anti-Semitic violence that has surged in Australia over the past two years.
"I'm appalled by the murderous shooting attack at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia. These incidents are the culmination of the anti-Semitic rampage seen in Australia over the past two years, fueled by inciting calls such as 'Globalise the Intifada,' which were realized today. The Australian government, having received countless warnings, must take action!" Sa'ar remarked on X.