In brief
In a press conference, NSW Premier Chris Minns defended the police response to the recent Bondi Beach attack, where two gunmen killed 15 people during a Jewish festival. Minns stated that the officers acted with bravery, directly confronting the assailants despite facing heavy fire. Critics claim police response was slow, raising questions about security measures prior to the incident. The police commissioner noted that adequate resources were deployed based on existing threats. The situation has prompted an investigation into hate crimes in the area.
The New South Wales (NSW) premier has strongly rejected criticism of the police response to the attack on a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach, saying officers acted with bravery and integrity.
Some witnesses have suggested police were too slow to disarm the two gunmen, who killed 15 people and injured dozens at an event celebrating Hanukkah at Australia's best known beach.
There are two officers in critical care... at the moment, Chris Minns said after sustained questioning from reporters. They weren't shot in the back as they were running away. They were shot in the front.
Witness Shmulik Scuri described the chaotic scene, saying, They shoot, shoot, change magazine and just shoot, adding that he thought officers froze. Minns called such criticism disrespectful and insisted that police engaged the gunmen despite the tactical disadvantage they faced.
After evaluating the situation, he stated, If there's any suggestion that NSW Police didn't live up to their responsibilities to the people of this state, it should be rejected because it's not consistent with the facts.
Security agencies indicated that one of the shooters had previously come under scrutiny for associations, but no credible threat was identified. Following the attack, the NSW Police established Operation Shelter to investigate antisemitic hate crimes and enhance security in high-risk areas.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident, the focus remains on the police response and the measures in place to prevent future attacks.
