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The death toll from the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney has risen to 16, including a child, as survivors reveal harrowing details of the attack and question the 'underprepared' police response, reports the Daily Mail.
The massacre on Sunday targeted a Hanukkah festival full of Jews and is being treated as an act of terrorism.
Bondi Beach shooting: How it unfolded
Two gunmen opened fire from a pedestrian footbridge onto dozens of beachgoers, locals, and holidaymakers near Campbell Parade. Video footage showed the attackers moving towards the Chanukah by the Sea festival was taking place. Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs, seeing people injured, and a mob scramble as crowds fled for their lives.New South Wales (NSW) Police issued an urgent warning for people in Bondi to take shelter at 7.05 pm. Within minutes, dozens of police cars and ambulances arrived.One brave bystander named Ahmed tackled and disarmed a gunman before police could intervene. The civilian crouched behind a car to approach the attacker, tackled him and stole his gun, forcing him to retreat and ultimately getting captured later. The other attacker was later shot dead by the police.
Survivors question police response
Some witnesses criticised the police for taking too long to respond. Grace Matthews, who sought refuge in a nearby church, told ABC News: "One of my friends was at the festival (and) he said the police were just very underprepared to respond to this kind of a threat. So that was why it required a member of the public, like a civilian, to neutralise one of the threats."However, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon defended the police, saying he was "incredibly proud" of officers and emergency services.
"They have done a fantastic job, and unfortunately, after the Westfield Bondi Junction attack, we have learned a lot and tonight ambulance and police and other responders acted promptly and professionally to do a great job," he said.
Response and investigation
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as an "act of evil anti-Semitism" and vowed to eradicate such violence. "There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation," he said. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess confirmed that one of the shooters had been known to intelligence agencies, but "not in an immediate threat perspective." Authorities are investigating how the attackers obtained high-powered weapons and whether any accomplices were involved. NSW Premier Chris Minns said a "massive and complex" investigation is underway.
Death toll rises to 16
NSW health minister Ryan Park confirmed 16 deaths, including a child who passed away at Sydney Children’s Hospital. At least 29 people were injured, with some still in critical condition. Authorities also discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the shooters' vehicle. Police conducted raids across Sydney, including the home of 24-year-old shooter Naveed Akram in Bonnyrigg, and secured the Bondi area.
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