The mother of the alleged Bondi Beach attacker has broken her silence in the wake of the terrorist incident.
Police were alerted yesterday when gun shots were reported at Australia's iconic Bondi Beach, where a local Jewish community had gathered to celebrate Hanukkah.
A total of 42 people were injured in the horrific shootings, which have now been labelled as a terrorist incident, with 15 people - including a 10-year-old girl and a holocaust survivor - sadly confirmed to be dead.
It's been revealed this morning (15 December) that a further 27 people are in hospital care, with six in critical condition, after police established that the attacks were carried out by father-and-son duo Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed, 24.
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Sajid, a fruit shop owner, was killed at the scene by police while Naveed, an unemployed bricklayer, is currently in critical condition at the hospital.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon of New South Wales police also revealed in a press conference that two 'active' explosive devices were found, removed, and made safe, describing them as of 'fairly basic' construction and saying: "I’m very glad that those devices were not activated."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: "What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores in an iconic Australian location, Bondi Beach, that is associated with joy, associated with families gathering, associated with celebrations."
Now, as Australia and the Jewish community across the world mourns yet another senseless shooting, the mother of the alleged attacker has described him as a 'good boy' and says that he was supposed to be fishing with his father this weekend.
"He rings me up [on Sunday] and said, 'Mum, I just went for a swim. I went scuba diving. We're going… to eat now'," she told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"'[This morning] we're going to stay home now because it's very hot'."
She said he was a 'good boy' and wasn't capable of violence or extremism.
She added: "He doesn't have a firearm. He doesn't even go out. He doesn't mix around with friends. He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, he doesn't go to bad places."
Meanwhile, at least one hero has emerged from the tragic events of the weekend, as fruit shop owner and 43-year-old dad-of-two, Ahmed Al Ahmed, was captured in a viral video tackling one of the shooters and stealing his gun, before laying it down while the attacker fled.
Albanese also stressed in the wake of the attack that there is a need for stricter gun laws in Australia, as it has been reported that the father legally owned six firearms. That was discussed in a national Cabinet meeting earlier this morning (4pm in Australia).
King Charles, Head of State for the Commonwealth nation, has also paid tribute to the victims in a statement that was released after the attack.
It read: “My wife and I are appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people attending the Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community. We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy.
“In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia – and the light at the heart of the Chanukah festival – will always triumph over the darkness of such evil."
James Moorhouse