During the Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, two gunmen opened fire, leading to their identification. New South Wales Police revealed that the assailants, aged 50 and 24, were a father-son pair. However, investigators have ruled out the involvement of any other gunmen. Police believe the attack was executed using licensed firearms, given that the accused had six registered firearms in his name. This tragic event has left a scar on the peaceful festivities.
At a press conference on Monday, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon shared that crucial details emerged overnight. Prime evidence about the attackers and their weaponry was confirmed during the investigation. This harrowing attack targeted the Jewish community, being labeled a terrorist act. It's with a heavy heart we report that at least 15 lives were lost, including one of the gunmen, and around 40 others sustained injuries.
The Commissioner noted that the 50-year-old was fatally shot by the police at the scene, while the 24-year-old is critically injured and in police custody at the hospital.
Use of Licensed Weapons
The police reported carrying out raids overnight at two properties in Western Sydney's Bonnyrigg and Campsie. It was discovered that the 50-year-old deceased possessed six registered firearms and was a licensed gun owner. Lanyon stated, 'It is believed these six weapons were used in the attack.' Investigations will scrutinize how these weapons were acquired and utilized. The deceased had held a gun license for nearly a decade.
Explosive Devices Recovered
Police Commissioner refrained from commenting on the attackers' motives and whether they were under prior police surveillance. He also did not comment on reports of an ISIS flag being found. Lanyon mentioned that the investigation into the motivation is critical, and there was no prior warning of the attack.
Two active Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were found near the crime scene and were defused by the bomb squad.
Police Presence at Religious Sites
Lanyon reported that two responding New South Wales police officers were injured during the operation and are currently hospitalized. He assured that police presence at religious sites will be beefed up in the coming days to prevent such incidents from recurring. Thousands had gathered at Bondi Beach on Sunday to celebrate a Jewish festival when the gunmen indiscriminately fired into the crowd from a pool. The shocking terrorist attack claimed at least 15 lives, injuring 29 others, including two police officers.
