New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has delivered a robust defence of the police response to Sunday's terror attack at Bondi Junction, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the alleged attackers were inspired by Islamic State ideology.
Minns's Heated Defence of Police Bravery
Facing intense questioning over the law enforcement reaction to the deadly incident, Premier Minns pointed to the severe injuries sustained by officers. "There are two officers in critical care," he stated emphatically during a press conference in Sydney. "They weren't shot in the back as they were running away. They were shot in the front." His comments underscored the frontline bravery displayed during the attack, which left multiple victims dead and injured.
Albanese Confirms Islamic State Inspiration
Speaking at the same briefing, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed that the father and son duo allegedly responsible for the violence appeared to have been motivated by the extremist group Islamic State. Police are investigating a recent trip the pair made to the Philippines as part of their inquiries. Albanese also visited and praised Ahmed al-Ahmed, the individual who tackled one of the shooters, calling him "the best of our country." Ahmed has also received thanks from King Charles and is likely to be honoured with a formal bravery award.
According to the latest NSW Health update, 24 patients remain in hospital following the attack. Of these, three are in a critical condition, with a further five listed as critical but stable.
Community Reaction and Calls for Action
The attack has sent shockwaves through communities, particularly the Jewish community. Dean Sherr, a former adviser to Albanese, wrote that "at Bondi, every Jewish person’s worst nightmare came true," questioning the future safety of Jewish Australians. In the wake of the tragedy, gun control advocates have urged the Prime Minister to demonstrate the same resolve as former PM John Howard after the Port Arthur massacre and move to abolish recreational hunting licences.
Amid the chaos, a powerful image emerged of lifeguard Jackson Doolan sprinting barefoot from Tamarama beach towards the scene to help, symbolising the rush of emergency responders. Meanwhile, the daughter of victim Reuven Morrison paid tribute to her father, who was seen in footage hurling an object at gunman Sajid Akram. "He went down fighting," she said, "protecting the people he loved most."
As Sydney and the nation continue to process the events, security has been heightened for public events, including the Ashes Test in Adelaide, though authorities have reassured the public there is no increased threat level.
