Good afternoon.
Anthony Albanese has vowed to introduce tougher gun control laws after the shooting deaths of 15 people at Bondi beach on the first day of Hanukah. The NSW premier, Chris Minns, also flagged he will push for gun law reform in the aftermath of Australia’s worst mass shooting in 29 years.
The alleged shooters were father and son Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24. The older man was shot by police and died at the scene, while the 24-year-old suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.
Among the victims of the terror attack are a 10-year-old girl, a London-born rabbi and a Holocaust survivor. Early on Monday afternoon, 27 people were still in hospital. As the floral tributes pile up at Bondi Pavilion, Australians are being urged to donate blood and show their support for the Jewish community.
The prime minister said his government will dedicate “every single resource required” to eradicate antisemitism in Australia after envoy Jillian Segal and the Coalition accused Labor of not doing enough to fight anti-Jewish hate. The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, also accused the Australian government of inaction.
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In video
When the two alleged Bondi shooters opened fire, lifesavers and lifeguards became the first to spring into action. The Surf Lifesaving NSW chief executive, Steven Pearce, described how the lifeguard clubhouse became a refuge to provide first aid to those who had been shot.
What they said …
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“A group of men gathered all the kids and women from the playground and walked them up to the surf club. I don’t know who they are but I am grateful beyond measure.” – Jessica Rozen
Rozen had attended the Chanukah by the Sea event at Bondi beach with her family when the terror attack began. Her actions, and those she witnessed around her, are among the stories of heroism by ordinary people to emerge from the horrific incident.
Full Story
Senior reporter Ben Doherty heard the shots of the Bondi attack from his home, and went down to the beach to report. He speaks to Reged Ahmad about what he saw last night, and what we know happened.
Before bed read
Ahona Guha watched news of the Bondi attack unfold with shock, horror and dismay. “While taking in as much information as possible is a common stress response after an acute incident,” the psychologist and trauma expert writes, “it can create other stress responses.” These are her recommendations for managing those feelings.
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: CUSS. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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