US President Donald Trump on Wednesday condemned the terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach and offered his condolences to Australia following the mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration that killed at least 15 people and left several injured. Trump said, “Let me take a moment to send the love and prayers to the people of Australia, especially those affected by the horrific and anti-semitic terrorist attack that took place on a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney…” Urging the nations to stand in solidarity against terrorism, Trump added, “All nations must stand together against the evil forces of radical Islamic terrorism.” Sunday’s attack, which occurred on the first night of Hanukkah celebrations, unfolded during a celebration attended by over 1,000 people. Eyewitnesses reported panic as the two gunmen opened fire from an overpass near the event. Australian authorities confirmed the attack was a terrorist act inspired by Islamic State ideology. The suspects, identified as father-and-son duo Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, deliberately targeted Jewish attendees. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene, while his son Naveed remains under guard in hospital. Investigators recovered Islamic State-linked material, homemade flags, and improvised explosive devices from the suspects’ vehicle, leading officials to classify the attack as ideologically motivated. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said the suspects had been radicalized by “an ideology of hate” and that the attack was intended as a mass-casualty assault on the Jewish community. The tragedy drew global condemnation.
