Albanese Convenes National Security Council After Bondi Massacre; Opposition Calls It 'Celebration of Peace Severed by Hate'
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened the National Security Council on Sunday evening following the mass shooting at Bondi Beach that killed nine people during a Hanukkah celebration, as Opposition Leader Sussan Ley declared that “hateful violence” had struck at the heart of Australia’s Jewish community.
The Prime Minister, the Member for Grayndler, said he had been briefed by the Australian Federal Police as emergency responders worked to save lives at the scene.
“Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected,” Mr Albanese said. “We are working with New South Wales Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed.”
The attack triggered an immediate national security response, with the Prime Minister convening the council that coordinates government responses to major security incidents.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, the Member for Farrer, said Australians were “in mourning” over the violence, which she described as particularly devastating given its targeting of a religious celebration.
“The loss of life from this attack is significant and I join with the Prime Minister in urging all Australians to follow official advice from police and relevant authorities,” Ms Ley said. “This attack occurred as our Jewish community came together at the Hanukkah by the Sea celebration. This was a celebration of peace and hope for the future, severed by hate.”
Ms Ley expressed personal solidarity with Sydney’s eastern suburbs Jewish community.
“My heart is with Australia’s Jewish community tonight, particularly those in the eastern suburbs of Sydney — people I know well,” she said.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the reports and images emerging from Bondi Beach were “deeply distressing,” urging residents to follow police directions as the investigation continued.
“Police and emergency services are responding and the public should follow official advice. We will update the public as soon as more information becomes available,” Premier Minns said.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan said she was “horrified” by the events, extending solidarity across state lines.
“Tonight all Victorians stand with New South Wales and everyone who is grieving right now,” Premier Allan said
.
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, who was present at Bondi Beach when the shooting began, provided a firsthand account of the chaos.
“I was there when the shooting was still happening, and there were so many people. We were trying to support people, we were trying to save people,” Ms Sloane told Sky News. She described the attack as “a horrific attack on our way of life, a very targeted attack on our Jewish community.”
The national terror threat level had been assessed as “probable” prior to the attack, indicating authorities believed there was a 50 percent or greater chance of a terrorist incident occurring.
Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell reported that government sources had confirmed the death toll was expected to rise further, with one source describing the expected final toll as a “big number.”
The attack marks the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since the Port Arthur massacre on April 28, 1996, when a gunman killed 35 people and wounded 23 others in Tasmania. That tragedy prompted sweeping national gun law reforms, including a firearms buyback program that removed hundreds of thousands of weapons from circulation.
The Community Security Group, which provides security coordination for Australian Jewish communities, cancelled a Hanukkah event at Melbourne’s Caulfield Racecourse “out of an abundance of caution” following news of the attack.
“The event Chanukah at Caulfield Racecourse had ended early,” the CSG stated, advising those at the venue to leave immediately and instructing anyone en route to return home.
The Australian Federal Police continue to coordinate with NSW Police as the investigation progresses. NSW Police have warned residents that a bomb threat remains active at the scene, with authorities working to disarm a suspected improvised explosive device.
Police took two suspects into custody at the scene while one gunman was shot dead. Two police officers were wounded during the confrontation.
NSW Police issued multiple warnings on social media urging the public to avoid the area and obey all police directions.
“Two people are in police custody at Bondi Beach; however, the police operation is ongoing and we continue to urge people to avoid the area. Please obey ALL police directions. Do not cross police lines,” police stated.
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