Australian PM proposes tougher gun laws after mass-shooting kills 15
What's the story
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has proposed stricter national gun laws in the wake of a mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach. The incident, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration, left at least 15 people dead and around 40 injured. Among the deceased were a child, a rabbi, and a Holocaust survivor. Albanese has called for immediate action, saying "the government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary."
Gun control
Albanese calls for action, identifies shooters
Albanese proposed new restrictions, including limiting the number of guns a licensed owner can have. His proposed measures were announced after officials revealed that the older of the two gunmen, a father and son, had legally obtained six firearms. The alleged shooters have been identified as father-son duo Sajid and Naveed Akram. Sajid was killed at the scene while Naveed remains hospitalized under police guard. The motive has yet to be officially identified.
Community response
Investigation underway, Jewish community reacts
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon described the attack as deliberate antisemitism. An investigation is underway to find out how this was allowed to happen. The Jewish community and survivors of the massacre have expressed fear and anger over the incident. Lawrence Stand, a Sydney resident who rushed to Bondi during the violence, said "there's been a heap of inaction."
Security measures
Bondi Beach remains closed, security heightened at synagogues
At least 38 people were treated in hospitals following the tragedy on Sunday, when the two attackers fired indiscriminately on the beachfront festivities. The carnage at Australia's most popular beach was the bloodiest shooting in nearly three decades in a country with tight gun control legislation. The mass shooting, which Albanese described as a terrorist incident, has raised concerns about whether the country's leaders have done enough to combat rising antisemitism.
Global response
International leaders condemn attack, express solidarity
World leaders have also condemned the attack. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock and reiterated India's "zero tolerance toward terrorism." French President Emmanuel Macron was saddened by the death of Dan Elkayam, a French citizen killed in the attack. Former US Vice President Kamala Harris also condemned both this incident and another shooting at Brown University, calling for action against gun violence and hate. Major US cities have also stepped up security at synagogues following the attack.