Anthony Albanese declare Bondi terror attack ‘act of evil’
The PM has declared the Bondi terror attack an “act of evil” and a “dark day”, but Australia’s terror threat will not be increased.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared the Bondi terror attack an “act of evil” and a dark day for the nation.
However, Australia’s threat level, which is set by spy agency ASIO, will not be raised beyond “probable” despite a murderous attack on Bondi Beach that left 12 people dead - including one of the killer gunmen.
“There has been a devastating terrorist incident at Bondi at the Chanukah by the Sea celebration,’’ Mr Albanese said in Canberra at a late night press conference after 10 pm.
“This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith, an act of evil, anti-Semitism.
“Terrorism has struck the heart of our nation, an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian and every Australian.
“There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation.
“Let me be clear we will eradicate it. Amidst this vile act of violence and hate, will emerge a moment of national unity where Australians across the board will embrace their fellow Australians of Jewish faith.
“At this dark moment for our nation, our police and security agencies are working to determine anyone associated with this outrage.”
Mr Albanese also praised the extraordinary acts of courage by bystanders at the scene.
ASIO spy agency chief Mike Burgess confirmed the event, officially declared a terrorist incident by NSW Premier Chris Minns, would not change Australia’s official terror alert level.
“We’re looking to see if there is anyone in the community that has similar intent,’’ ASIO director general Mike Burgess said.
“The national terrorism threat level remains at probable. I don’t see that changing at this stage. Probable means there is a 50 per cent chance of an act of terror. And unfortunately we’ve seen that horrific act occur tonight in Australia.”
Mr Albanese said that “justice will be done” and “we will come though this together.”
“My message to Jewish Australians is that your fellow Australians stand with you tonight in condemning this act of terror, in condemning this outrage,” he said.
“And this attack at Bondi Beach, of all places, a place of celebration, a place where people particularly in Sydney but from all over the world come to enjoy each other’s company and to, in this case at the Bondi Pavilion there.
“I’m very familiar with that pavilion. It this senseless attack is one which is an act of terror. It is aimed at creating fear.
“But we will stand with the Jewish community and Jewish Australians at this time.”
Acting AFP Commissioner Nigel Ryan said the AFP stands next to the NSW Police and with ASIO in our joint counter-terrorism arrangements.
“We’ll put all resources we can, all our specialist powers, all our specialist resources towards ensuring that this matter is investigated as thoroughly as possible,’’ he said.
“I don’t wish to speculate in relation to any of the information that is currently known. This matter is ongoing. It is in its early stages and we will continue to work with NSW Police to ensure that it’s investigated as best as possible.”
Earlier, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed the shocking event had been officially declared a terrorist attack at a press conference held at 9.36pm
“Obviously, the fact that it’s the first day of Hanukkah, the types of weapons, the offenders, some of the other items we found at the scene, as I said, explosive device in a car, which is linked to the deceased offender,’’ he said.
“So there’s a range of circumstances, and obviously the Jewish community has a right to feel safe. We will take serious action.
Asked “how did you miss the attack?” the acting police commissioner said that was not the case.
“No, I don’t even think that’s a reasonable question. What I said is that we are aware of the person,’’ he said.
“That does not mean there was any specific threat posed by that person. If the police had intelligence there was a risk to the community or to this event, we would have taken significant action.
“This is a tragic event. This is not the time to be pointing the finger.”
Originally published as Anthony Albanese declare Bondi terror attack ‘act of evil’
