15 killed in Sydney’s Bondi Beach shooting

KBAUL (Pajhwok): At least 15 people have been killed after two alleged gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, media reports said Monday.

State health officials reported that at least 40 people remained hospitalized as of Monday morning, including several in critical condition.

The attackers, a father and son, were identified by New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, Al Jazeera reported.

The 50-year-old father was killed in a police shootout, while the 24-year-old son remains hospitalized.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the shooting as a “targeted attack on Jewish Australians” and stated that Australia would “never submit to division and hatred.”

Bystander Ahmed al Ahmed has been hailed as a hero after tackling and disarming one of the gunmen in a video that has since gone viral.

In a Monday news conference, Commissioner Lanyon indicated that criminal charges may be brought against the surviving 24-year-old.

“What’s really important is to say we do have a 24-year-old male in hospital at the moment,” Lanyon said. “Based on his medical condition, it is likely that person may face criminal charges. I’m very mindful of not prejudicing any prosecution if they’re brought before the court.”

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