The Prince and Princess of Wales have sent a message to the
people of Australia following a terrorist attack on Bondi Beach on
Sunday afternoon.
At least 12 people have lost their lives following the shooting,
which is believed to have targeted the Jewish community.
Posting on social media, the couple said: “Our thoughts are
with every Australian today following the terrible attack at Bondi
Beach.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and
friends of those who have lost their lives and stand with the
Jewish community in grief.
“We are also thinking about the bravery of the emergency
responders, particularly the two injured officers.”
The message was signed ‘W&C’ – the initials of the
couple.
William and Catherine’s message follows on from
a statement by The King, who called the attack ‘appalling’, and
that the love in Australia ‘will always triumph over the darkness
of such evil;.
In full, the King said: “My wife and I are appalled and
saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on
Jewish people attending the Chanukah celebration at Bondi
Beach.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so
dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while
protecting members of their community. We commend the police,
emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions
no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy.
“In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in
unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love
that shines so brightly in Australia – and the light at the heart
of the Chanukah Festival – will always triumph over the darkness of
such evil.”
New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, said: “This
attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community. On the
first day of Hanukkah, what should have been a night of peace and
joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters has
been shattered by this horrifying evil attack.”
Emergency services said that a number of others were wounded,
including at least one child, with a total of 29 people receiving
medical treatment.
UK Prime Minster Sir Keir Starmer described the reports from
Sydney as “deeply distressing”, adding that Britain’s “thoughts and
condolences are with all those affected by the appalling events at
Bondi Beach”.
Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said the scenes
unfolding at the popular coastal location were “shocking and
distressing”, calling the shooting “an act of evil antisemitic
terrorism.”
