By Ginika Igboke
U.S. President Donald Trump has spoken out following a mass terror shooting that targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, describing the incident as an “obviously anti-Semitic attack” and offering condolences to Australia.
The death toll from the Dec. 15 attack has risen to 16, including one of the gunmen. At least 40 people were hospitalized, with six remaining in critical condition. Two police officers were also wounded during the response.
“In Australia, as you know, there was a terrible attack … and that was an anti-Semitic attack obviously, and I just want to pay my respects to everybody,” Trump said during a press conference in Washington, D.C.
He extended his remarks to Australian leaders and citizens, emphasizing the close relationship between the two countries. “To Australia, the prime minister, to everybody we get along with so well, we know so well, we have a great relationship—that’s a terrible situation going on,” he said.
Trump also praised the bravery of local fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, who intervened during the attack. A viral video shows al Ahmed approaching one of the shooters from the side and wrestling a weapon away, an action authorities say likely saved lives. Al Ahmed was later shot twice in the arm and remains hospitalized.
“In Australia, it’s a very, very brave person actually who went and attacked frontally one of the shooters and saved a lot of lives,” Trump said. “He is a very brave person who’s right now in the hospital pretty seriously wounded, so I have great respect for that man.”
One of the attackers, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was shot by police at the scene and later died. His 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, was also shot but survived and is now in police custody. The pair lived in Sydney’s far western suburb of Bonnyrigg and had rented an Airbnb in Campsie prior to carrying out the attack.
Detectives Locate Additional Weapons
Trump’s comments came as New South Wales police released further details about the ongoing investigation. The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team confirmed the seizure of three firearms and two improvised explosive devices connected to the attack.
Speaking at a Dec. 15 media briefing, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the devices had been secured and rendered safe by specialist units.
“They were taken by our rescue and bomb disposal unit,” Lanyon said. “They were found to be active devices, so they were taken back and rendered safe by our police, who do a professional job.”
Investigators believe the devices contained wicks that could have been lit to trigger an explosion.
“I am very glad that those devices were not activated,” Lanyon said. “But really, our thoughts and prayers at the moment are with everyone who has lost someone.”
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