William and Kate say they stand with the Jewish neighborhood in grief after Bondi Beach bloodbath – as King Charles and Queen Camilla additionally pay tribute
The Prince and Princess of Wales have said they stand with the Jewish community following the antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach today.
In a personal message signed by William and Kate, they shared their condolences to the family and friends of the victims.
The statement read: ‘Our thoughts are with every Australian today following the terrible attack at Bondi Beach.
‘We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and stand with the Jewish community in grief.
‘We are also thinking about the bravery of the emergency responders, particularly the two injured officers. W & C’
Meanwhile, the King and Queen also expressed horror at the violence and praising the swift actions of first responders following Sunday’s attack in the Australian city.
In his message, the King offered condolences to ‘everyone who has been affected so dreadfully’ and paid tribute to Australia’s ability to unite in moments of national trauma.
Their Majesties and William and Catherine joined a chorus of leaders from around the world in condemning the atrocity.
In a personal message signed by William and Kate, they shared their condolences to the family and friends of the victims
The King and Queen issued a statement expressing horror at the violence and praising the swift actions of first responders following Sunday’s attack in the Australian city
Emergency services evacuating poeple from the area following the attack today
Police working to assist multiple injured people during the attack in Sydney
The full statement read: ‘My wife and I are appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people attending the Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach.
‘Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community.
‘We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy.
‘In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia – and the light at the heart of the Chanukah Festival – will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.
‘Charles R’
At the time of writing, authorities had confirmed that 12 people, including children, were killed when two gunmen armed with rifles opened fire at Bondi Beach on Sunday afternoon in what police described as a terrorist attack targeting a Jewish holiday celebration.
Witnesses said two men stepped out of a vehicle on Campbell Parade near the Bondi Pavilion and began shooting at around 6.40pm, with footage showing repeated bursts of gunfire along the busy tourist strip. Some witnesses reported hearing more than 30 shots.
Video and photos taken by a Daily Mail photographer show a gunman, later identified as Naveed Akram, 24, from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s southwest, opening fire from an elevated bridge.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed 12 people were killed in a press conference late on Sunday.
Up to 29 people were injured and taken to hospitals across Sydney, including two police officers who were left in a critical condition and a child.
Akram was shot, arrested and remains in custody, where he is being treated by emergency services. The second gunman has been shot dead.
At least three residents were then drawn out of the home at gunpoint by police with their hands up.
It was also confirmed late on Sunday evening that a number of suspicious items had been found near the bridge where the gunmen fired rounds, including an improvised explosive device (IED).
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the act of terrorism
The IED was removed by bomb squad specialists, driven away in an armoured car.
Akram’s home in Bonnyrigg was raided by police, as a crowd watched from the pavement. His family has owned the property for a year.
At least three residents were then drawn out of the home at gunpoint by police with their hands up.
It was also confirmed late on Sunday evening that a number of suspicious items had been found near the bridge where the gunmen fired rounds, including an improvised explosive device (IED).
The IED was removed by bomb squad specialists, driven away in an armoured car.
Australia’s Prime Minister described the atrocity as ‘a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith’.
Sir Keir Starmer said the UK ‘sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack’, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: ‘Antisemitism has no place in this world.’
The Danish Monarchy has also expressed its shock at the attack, with Queen Mary of Denmark being born in Hobart, Australia.
Their Majesties said: ‘We and the people of Denmark are profoundly saddened by the tragic news of the terror attack at Bondi Beach today.
‘We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to all those affected, their loved ones, the people of Australia and the Jewish community.’
