Trump reacts to Bondi shooting

At least 16 people have been confirmed dead, including a 12-year-old girl, after two gunmen opened fire on crowds in a targeted terror attack on a Jewish event.

Donald Trump was among world leaders to comment on the horrific attack, calling it a “purely antisemite attack”.

“In Australia there was a terrible attack,” he said on Sunday, US time, during a Christmas celebration at the White House..

“That was a terrible attack, 11 dead, 29 badly wounded. And that was an anti semitic attack, obviously.

“I just want to pay my respects to everybody”.

Former US president Barack Obama also posted about the atrocity.

“On this first night of Hanukkah, Michelle and I are praying for the families mourning a loved one after the horrific terrorist attack against Jewish people in Australia,” he wrote on X.

“For everyone lighting a candle tonight, may the glow of the menorah brighten your darkest moments.”King Charles also issued a statement, condemning the “evil” behind the attack,

“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,” he said in the message, released by Buckingham Palace.

“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.”

Kensington Palace also released a statement from the Prince and Princess of Wales.

“Our thoughts are with every Australian today following the terrible attack at Bondi Beach,” it read.

“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.”

It was signed “W & C”, for William and Catherine.

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has spoken out, condemning the “vile” attack and calling on the Australian government to fight the “enormous wave of antisemitism” he claims is “plaguing Australian society”.

“Our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Hanukkah,” he said while speaking at an event at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.

“We repeat our alerts time and again to the Australian government to seek action and fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society.

“Our hearts go out to them. We pray for the recovery of the wounded, we pray for them, and we pray for those who lost their lives.”

Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, has also spoken out, condemning the “murderous shooting attack”.

“These are the results of the anti-Semitic rampage in the streets of Australia over the past two years,” he said in a post to X.

“The Australian government, which received countless warning signs, must come to its senses!”

Meanwhile, other world leaders and politicians also spoke out in the wake of the attack, with British prime minister Keir Starmer posting on X that “the United Kingdom will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community”.

“Chanukah should be a time of celebration and joy.,” he wrote. “The news that the Bondi beach attack was an antisemitic terrorist attack against Jewish families at a Chanukah event is sickening. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.” 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the violence, declaring that “antisemitism has no place in the world”.

“The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Australia targeting a Jewish celebration,” he said in a post on X. “Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia.”

Major news outlets from across the world were also quick to react, with The Sun UK describing the “shooting horror”.

The New York Times, BBC, and Washington Journal are all providing live updates on the situation as it continues to unfold.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has issued a statement saying he is “shocked by the distressing scenes at Bondi, a place that Kiwis visit every day”.

“Australia and New Zealand are closer than friends, we’re family,” he said.

“My thoughts, and the thoughts of all New Zealanders, are with those affected.”

Just an hour prior, Mr Luxon had taken to X to which the Jewish community “happiness and peace as you celebrate Hanukkah”.