Trump condemns Sydney Hanukkah event shooting, slams 'radical Islamic terrorism'
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has condemned the recent shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia. The attack, which took place on Sunday at Bondi Beach, left 16 people dead and many others injured. During a White House Hanukkah celebration event, Trump extended his prayers to the victims and their families while calling for global unity against radical Islamic terrorism.
Trump
What Trump said
"Let me take a moment to send the love and prayers to our entire nation, to...Australia, and especially all those affected by the horrific and antisemitic terrorist attack," Trump said. "We're joined in mourning all of those who were killed, and we're praying for the swift recovery of the wounded; some are very horrifically wounded," he continued. He vowed to "always" support the Jewish people and said, "All nations must stand together against the evil forces of radical Islamic terrorism."
Unity gesture
Australian PM lights Chanukah candle in solidarity
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also expressed his solidarity with the Jewish community after the attack. He lit a Chanukah candle, emphasizing it as a symbol of hope and resilience. "When antisemitism and hate rears its ugly head, we don't shy away," he said. The attackers have been identified as a father-son duo. The father, Sajid Akram (50), was shot dead by police at the scene. His son, Naveed (24), who was also shot by police, has since recovered.
Ongoing probe
Attackers underwent military-style training
According to Australian authorities, the suspected attackers were motivated by "Islamic State ideology," and Australian counterterrorism officials believe the pair received military-style training while in the southern Philippines last month, in an area known for Islamist extremism, ABC reported on Tuesday. Mal Lanyon, police commissioner of New South Wales state, said on Wednesday that officials are waiting for Naveed to be in a clear enough state to be charged.
Terrorist designation
Legislation to tighten gun restrictions proposed
Emergency services were called to Bondi Beach around 6:47pm local time after reports of gunfire at the annual Hanukkah event attended by about 1,000 people. The father was licensed to own six firearms, all believed to have been used in the attack. Leaders in New South Wales are preparing new legislation to tighten restrictions, and the state parliament has been recalled to weigh in before the Christmas holidays.