Trump condemns Bondi Beach attack as 'purely antisemitic', urges Jews to celebrate proudly

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Sunday, December 14, denounced the deadly shooting at Australia’s Bondi Beach as a "purely antisemitic attack," calling the assault on Hanukkah celebration an act of hatred and urging Jewish Americans to celebrate the holiday "proudly" despite the violence.

Speaking at the White House during opening remarks at a Christmas reception, Trump addressed the attack just hours after Australian authorities confirmed that at least 11 people were killed and 29 others wounded when gunmen opened fire at a public Hanukkah event near Sydney.

"As you know, there was a terrible attack, 11 dead, 29 badly wounded," Trump said. "And that was an anti-semitic attack, obviously. And I just want to pay my respects to everybody."

Trump urges Jews to celebrate Hanukkah ‘proudly’

The president returned to the subject moments later, encouraging Jewish communities not to retreat in the face of violence.

"We’re here to celebrate Christmas and to celebrate, and I think today we can say loudly, we celebrate Hanukkah," Trump said. "That was such a horrible attack. That was a purely anti-semitic attack."

Trump echoed similar remarks earlier in the day when speaking briefly with Fox News reporter Peter Doocy. "Celebrate proudly. Be proud of who you are," the president said.

Australian officials confirm targeted attack

Australian authorities said that the shooting occurred as families gathered along the Bondi Beach waterfront to mark the first day of Hanukkah.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said police designated the incident a t***orism event based on early evidence and witness accounts.

"This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah," Minns told reporters.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said federal and state agencies were coordinating closely as emergency operations and investigations continued.

Suspects neutralized as investigation expands

Police said one suspect was killed at the scene during the response, while a second alleged shooter was taken into custody in critical condition.

Australian authorities later identified one suspect as 24 year old Naveed Akram, while declining to release details about a second individual.

At least 29 people were injured in the attack, including two police officers. A child was among those hospitalized in serious condition.

The area remained under heavy police presence for hours as investigators secured the scene.

Witnesses recount chaos at beachfront

Eyewitnesses said the sound of gunfire initially caused confusion among beachgoers, with some mistaking the shots for fireworks before crowds began fleeing in panic.

Emergency responders transported victims on stretchers as police established a wide perimeter along the popular tourist area.

Jewish leaders and global figures respond

The Australian Jewish Association confirmed the shooting occurred during an organized Hanukkah celebration and urged prayers for the Jewish community.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the violence as a t***orist attack against Jews gathered to light the first Hanukkah candle.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was horrified by what he described as a deadly assault on Jewish families.

Trump references other weekend attacks

During his remarks, Trump also addressed two other violent incidents that occurred over the weekend, including a shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island that left two people dead and several others injured.

Trump said he was sending his "deepest regards and respect" to the families of those killed at Brown and told the injured to "get well fast."

The president also referenced an attack in Syria that killed three Americans, saying I*IS would "pay" and that "big damage" would be inflicted in response.

Investigation ongoing in Australia

Australian officials said that the Bondi Beach investigation remains in its early stages, with authorities working to establish motive, possible accomplices, and ideological links.

Police urged the public to rely on verified updates and said additional security measures were being reviewed for Jewish events nationwide as Australia grapples with one of its deadliest antisemitic attacks in recent years.