Australian PM says suspect in Bondi Beach massacre had been investigated for terror ties; vows to pass more gun control laws
The prime minister of Australia vowed to take whatever action is necessary to prevent more horrific terrorist attacks but immediately turned to gun control as the answer.
He also revealed that one of the two suspects in the massacre had been previously investigated over Islamic terror ties to a cell in Sydney.
‘What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of anti-Semitism, an act of terrorism.’
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the comments Monday after two gunmen opened fire at a Jewish celebration at Bondi Beach and massacred at least 15 people.
“The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary. Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws,” he said.
Among the proposals to further restrict gun ownership is a limit on the number of guns a person can own as well as a review of gun permits held over a period of time.
The two gunmen were shot by police during the attack and were identified as a father and son. The 50-year-old father died of the gunshot injuries, but the son survived and is in custody. He is hospitalized in serious condition.
Albanese went on to confirm that the Australian Security Intelligence Organization had previously investigated the younger suspected gunman for six months in 2019 over ties to an Islamic State cell in Sydney.
“He was examined on the basis of being associated with others, and the assessment was made that there was no indication of any ongoing threat or threat of him engaging in violence,” Albanese added.
About 25 people are being treated at hospitals from the attack, and about 10 people are in critical condition.
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Video from the attack showed a brave man tackle one of the suspects and wrestle away his weapon. He was identified as Ahmed al Ahmed, a father of two girls and the son of refugee parents from Syria.
He was later shot in the incident and is recuperating at a hospital. A donation page set up for the heroic man has raised over $1.9 million.
“What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of anti-Semitism, an act of terrorism on our shores in an iconic Australian location, Bondi Beach, that is associated with joy, associated with families gathering, associated with celebrations, and it is forever tarnished by what has occurred last evening,” Albanese said.
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