Police have confirmed further details about the Bondi beach terrorist attack which has left at least 16 dead in a horrifying incident.
Speaking at a press conference earlier this evening, Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon of New South Wales police force confirmed that the two shooters who carried out the awful attack were father and son. Lanyon also stated 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."
The attack was aimed at an Australian Jewish celebration at the famous Bondi Beach, with the older gunman dying after being shot by police.
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The father was confirmed to be licensed for six firearms, with six recovered from the scene in Bondi.
Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, called the attack a 'pure act of evil' and added that the government is set to 'dedicate every single resource that is required' in response to the horrific crime.
Amongst the dead was a British-born Rabbi, named as Eli Schlanger, and a 10 year old girl, with the gunmen opening fire with what was described by police as 'long guns'.
The pair fired on the Archer Park area of the popular beach, aiming at a celebration of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights.
A total of 42 people have been taken to hospital due to the attack.
The younger attacker, a 24-year-old man, suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.
The incident has been declared a terrorist attack, and police confirmed they will be increasing their presence today around Jewish places of worship.
In addition to this police stated that they are still investigating any motives or ideologies of the father and son, and would not discuss any further details at this time.
A video has since gone viral of a heroic bystander disarming one of the shooters, later confirmed to be a 43-year-old dad-of-two Ahmed Al Ahmed.
The man reportedly owns a fruit shop and his cousin, speaking to 7News Australia, explained that he is now in hospital having been shot twice in the arm and shoulder, being praised by New South Wales premier Chris Minns as a 'genuine hero'.
King Charles, Head of State for the Commonwealth nation, issued a statement following the attack, saying: “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."
Topics: Terrorism, Australia, Crime, World News
Michael Slavin