Following a horrific shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, President Trump sent a message of defiance. He told the Jewish community they should celebrate their holiday proudly and without fear. The attack, which authorities say was designed to target Jews, has drawn condemnation from world leaders. Australia's prime minister pledged that the nation would stand united against such acts of terror.
US President Donald Trump tells Jewish community to "celebrate proudly" after a deadly shooting at a Hanukkah event in Sydney's Bondi Beach kills 11.
US President Donald Trump has stated that people celebrating Hanukkah should not be worried about their safety and should "celebrate proudly, " following a shooting that targeted the Jewish community at Australia's Bondi Beach and killed at least 11 people, CNN reported.
Speaking after a phone conversation with the US President, a Fox News correspondent relayed Trump's message to Americans observing Hanukkah. "Straight from the president, his message to people celebrating Hanukkah today, he said, 'they do not need to be worried. They should celebrate proudly, and they should be proud of who you are, celebrate proudly,'" the correspondent stated.
The remarks came amid heightened security concerns in Australia, where the National Terrorism Threat Level is currently set at "probable," according to the Australian government. This level, which sits in the middle of five tiers, indicates that there is a more than 50 per cent chance of a terrorist attack being planned or taking place in the country within the next twelve months, the New South Wales Police Force notes on its website, CNN reported.
Australia's National Security agency has said that the country's security environment "has entered a vulnerable period and is being challenged by new threats with concerning trajectories." It has warned that attacks are likely to be low-cost, use readily available weapons and simple tactics, and most commonly occur in crowded places in major cities, often carried out by a lone actor or a small group.
At least 11 people were killed and 29 others injured when gunfire erupted during a Hanukkah event at Sydney's popular Bondi Beach, police confirmed.
Authorities stated that more than 1,000 people were attending the celebration when the shooting occurred and that the attack was "designed to target Sydney's Jewish community," according to CNN.
Of the two suspected attackers, one was shot dead at the scene, while the other remains in custody in critical condition. Police have not yet released details about the identities of the suspects and stated that investigations are ongoing, including whether there may have been a third perpetrator.
Among those killed was one Israeli citizen, according to Israel's foreign ministry. Another Israeli national was wounded and is receiving treatment at a hospital in Sydney, the ministry added, CNN reported.