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‘Horrific’: Donald Trump prays for Bondi Beach terror attack victims, calls for global unity against terrorism
US President Donald Trump condemned the Bondi Beach terror attack in Australia, offering prayers for the victims and urging nations to unite against terrorism and antisemitism.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday condemned the deadly antisemitic terror attack in Australia, calling on nations around the world to stand united against terrorism and hatred.
Speaking at a Hanukkah reception at the White House, Trump expressed solidarity with Australia and offered prayers for the victims of the attack. “Let me take a moment to send love and prayers to the people of Australia, especially those affected by the horrific and antisemitic terrorist attack that took place during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney,” he said.
Addressing guests gathered in the East Room for the festival, Trump described the incident as a “horrific antisemitic terrorist attack” and said the international community must work together to confront extremist violence.
Australian authorities are continuing investigations into the December 14 attack at Bondi Beach, which occurred during a Hanukkah gathering of the Jewish community. At least 15 people were killed and several others injured in the assault, which has been officially declared a terrorist act.
In a key development, Telangana Police on Tuesday said that one of the accused, Sajid Akram, was originally from Hyderabad, correcting earlier reports that had described the attackers as being of Pakistani origin. The attack was allegedly carried out by a father-son duo — Sajid Akram, 50, who was shot dead by Australian police, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram.
Investigators have said the suspects were inspired by Islamic State ideology. Australian police reported that a vehicle linked to the younger suspect contained improvised explosive devices and two homemade ISIS flags, all of which were later safely secured and removed.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as a “devastating terror attack” and a “targeted act of antisemitism” against Jewish Australians. “There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation,” he said.
On Tuesday, Albanese also met Ahmed, the man who went viral on social media for tackling and disarming the attacker during the shooting. In the widely circulated video, Ahmed is seen rushing from behind, overpowering the gunman and wresting the firearm from him as shots rang out.
Praising his courage, Albanese wrote on X, “Ahmed, you are an Australian hero. You put yourself at risk to save others, running towards danger on Bondi Beach and disarming a terrorist. In the worst of times, we see the best of Australians.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s intelligence chief criticised the Australian government, linking the attack to what she described as unchecked Islamist extremism and migration. In a statement, she said the incident “should not come as a surprise,” claiming it was the result of a failure to address radicalisation.
New South Wales Police said the area around Bondi Beach remains sealed as investigations continue, with restrictions still in place. Australia, which has recorded very few mass shootings since strict gun laws were introduced in 1996, is treating the Bondi Beach incident as one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent years, according to CNN.
