Australian PM hits out at 'pure evil' as father and son revealed as Bondi Beach terrorists

Anthony Albanese addressed the public in Canberra following the Bondi Beach attack (Image: Getty)

The Bondi Beach attack was "pure evil", Australian prime minister said. Anthony Albanese spoke in Canberra this evening to address the Bondi Beach terror attack. Earlier today,  at least 16 people, including a 10-year-old-girl, have been killed in a terror attack on Bondi Beach, Sydney. Two men opened fire as more than a thousand people gathered to mark the first day of Hanukkah at the tourist hotspot on Sunday evening, with video from the scene showing people running for their lives.

One of the attackers, a 50-year-old man, is among the 16 people confirmed dead after he was shot by police and died at the scene. Two gunmen were identified as father and son.

During the press conference, Mr Albanese said: "What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of anti-semitism, an act of terrorism on our shores in an iconic Australian location, Bondi Beach, that is associated with joy, associated with families gathering, associated with celebrations."

He added that the beach is now "forever tarnished" by the incident.

Police at the Bondi Beach following today's attack (Image: Getty)

He continued: "The Jewish community are hurting today. Today, all Australians wrap our arms around them and say 'we stand with you'. We will do whatever is necessary to stamp out antisemitism. It is a scourge and we will eradicate it together."

The Prime Minister stressed that every necessary resource would be dedicated to responding to the incident. He added that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) were working closely with New South Wales authorities and that the AFP Commissioner would return to Australia that day.

He paid tribute to the bravery of first responders and ordinary citizens who had acted during the attack.

He said: "People rushing towards danger to show the best of the Australian character, that's who we are. People who stand up for our values. Flags will fly at half-mast across the country today as we pay our respects to all those lost and all those who have been injured and we conclude by saying that yes it was indeed a dark day in our nation's history but we as a nation are stronger than the cowards who did this."

He also thanked world leaders, including President Trump, President Macron, and Prime Minister Starmer, for expressing sympathy and solidarity.

"Australia will never submit to division, violence or hatred and we will come through this together. We refuse to let them divide us as a nation," he concluded.