Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned of multiple forms of extremism, including right-wing extremism, following a deadly Islamic terrorist shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach that left at least 16 people dead and more than 40 others wounded.
The attack occurred Sunday evening during a Jewish holiday event hosted on Bondi Beach in Sydney, where hundreds had gathered to mark the first day of Hanukkah. Authorities confirmed the shooting targeted the celebration. One of the two gunmen was killed by police at the scene, while the second was wounded and taken into custody. Two police officers were among those injured.
During a press conference alongside senior security officials, Albanese was asked whether antisemitism remained the most significant threat to life in Australia, as previously warned by ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess earlier this year. Albanese said the government takes ASIO’s assessments seriously and emphasized that security agencies continue to monitor a range of threats.
“We take ASIO’s advice very seriously. We work closely with them. We receive regular updates as well,” Albanese said. “The Director-General of ASIO has warned about a range of threats, be it antisemitism, the rise of right-wing extremist groups as well.”
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke provided additional details on the suspects, confirming that the younger gunman was Australian-born. Burke said the father arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa, later transitioning to a partner visa and holding resident return visas following overseas travel.
Burgess confirmed on Sunday that one of the attackers had been known to intelligence agencies prior to the shooting but said there was no intelligence indicating an imminent threat. “Like the NSW Police, one of these individuals was known to us, but not in an immediate threat perspective,” Burgess said. “So obviously, we need to look into what happened.”
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said awareness of an individual did not equate to foreknowledge of an attack and urged against drawing conclusions while the investigation continues. Police confirmed improvised explosives were located in a vehicle near the scene, and initial concerns about a possible third attacker were later ruled out.
Albanese said additional security measures for Jewish institutions would be considered as part of the government’s response. “We stand with you,” he said. “We reaffirm tonight that you have every right to worship and live in peace and safety.”
Authorities have labeled the Bondi Beach shooting a terrorist attack targeting Jews.
The attack occurred Sunday evening during a Jewish holiday event hosted on Bondi Beach in Sydney, where hundreds had gathered to mark the first day of Hanukkah. Authorities confirmed the shooting targeted the celebration. One of the two gunmen was killed by police at the scene, while the second was wounded and taken into custody. Two police officers were among those injured.
During a press conference alongside senior security officials, Albanese was asked whether antisemitism remained the most significant threat to life in Australia, as previously warned by ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess earlier this year. Albanese said the government takes ASIO’s assessments seriously and emphasized that security agencies continue to monitor a range of threats.
“We take ASIO’s advice very seriously. We work closely with them. We receive regular updates as well,” Albanese said. “The Director-General of ASIO has warned about a range of threats, be it antisemitism, the rise of right-wing extremist groups as well.”
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke provided additional details on the suspects, confirming that the younger gunman was Australian-born. Burke said the father arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa, later transitioning to a partner visa and holding resident return visas following overseas travel.
Burgess confirmed on Sunday that one of the attackers had been known to intelligence agencies prior to the shooting but said there was no intelligence indicating an imminent threat. “Like the NSW Police, one of these individuals was known to us, but not in an immediate threat perspective,” Burgess said. “So obviously, we need to look into what happened.”
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said awareness of an individual did not equate to foreknowledge of an attack and urged against drawing conclusions while the investigation continues. Police confirmed improvised explosives were located in a vehicle near the scene, and initial concerns about a possible third attacker were later ruled out.
Albanese said additional security measures for Jewish institutions would be considered as part of the government’s response. “We stand with you,” he said. “We reaffirm tonight that you have every right to worship and live in peace and safety.”
Authorities have labeled the Bondi Beach shooting a terrorist attack targeting Jews.
