Global leaders, business executives and public figures voiced outrage and solidarity after a targeted antisemitic shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney on Sunday. This marked Australia’s deadliest gun attack in nearly three decades.
World Leaders Condemn ‘Antisemitic’ Attack In Australia
U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the violence during a White House Christmas reception on Sunday, calling the Bondi Beach shooting “a terrible attack,” reported Reuters.
Two gunmen — a father and his son — allegedly carried out a targeted antisemitic shooting, according to police officials said Monday.
The 50-year-old father died at the scene, bringing the death toll to 16, while his 24-year-old son remains hospitalized in critical condition, the report noted.
Trump also said that it was “an antisemitic attack obviously,” while offering condolences to victims in Australia and a separate deadly shooting in the U.S. that occurred on Saturday.
Former President Barack Obama took to X and said he and former first lady Michelle Obama were praying for families affected by what he described as a “horrific terrorist attack against Jewish people in Australia.”
Former President Joe Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden stood with Australia’s Jewish community as it confronts “unimaginable loss” following what he called a “shocking” and “unconscionable” targeted attack.
In a separate statement, Biden addressed a deadly shooting at Brown University that killed two students and wounded nine, saying students should never fear for their lives while learning and urging renewed efforts to prevent gun violence.
FBI Director Kash Patel said earlier Sunday on X that authorities had taken a person of interest into custody at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, located about 30 minutes from the Brown University campus.
Modi, Canada Join Global Outcry After Bondi Beach Shooting
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned what he called a “ghastly terrorist attack” targeting people celebrating the first day of Hanukkah, offering condolences on behalf of India and reiterating the country’s zero tolerance for terrorism.
Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, said the country was “horrified” by the antisemitic terror attack, adding that Canada stands with Australia and Jewish communities worldwide in rejecting violence, hatred and intimidation.
Hero Who Disarmed Gunman Praised Worldwide
Attention has also focused on a bystander who tackled and disarmed one of the attackers during the chaos. Australian media identified the man as Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner who was shot twice and later underwent surgery, Reuters noted.
Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman took to X and said the bravery of the man who intervened clearly saved lives, calling for confirmation of his identity and support for his family.
A fundraising campaign for al-Ahmed had raised more than A$200,000 by Monday morning, the report added.
Salesforce (NYSE:CRM) CEO Marc Benioff said he was heartbroken by the antisemitic attack but praised al-Ahmed’s courage, saying his actions turned tragedy into a powerful reminder that human bravery can overcome hate.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo Courtesy: Sasirin Pamai on Shutterstock.com
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