New South Wales Premier Chris Minns delivered a robust defence of the police response to the Bondi Junction terror attack during a heated press conference in Sydney on Tuesday. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stood alongside him as he addressed intense questioning.
Minns's Forceful Defence of Police Bravery
Facing rapid-fire questions about the law enforcement reaction to Sunday's horrific events, Premier Minns responded with passion. He highlighted the critical condition of two officers, emphasising they were shot while confronting the threat head-on. "There are two officers in critical care," Minns stated. "They weren't shot in the back as they were running away. They were shot in the front."
Albanese Confirms ISIS Inspiration, Visits Hero
At the same briefing, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed that the father and son duo allegedly responsible for the attack appeared to have been inspired by the Islamic State terrorist group. Police confirmed they are investigating the pair's recent travel to the Philippines as part of their ongoing probe.
Earlier, the Prime Minister visited and praised Ahmed al-Ahmed, the man who tackled one of the shooters, calling him "the best of our country." Ahmed has also received thanks from King Charles and is likely to be recognised with a formal bravery award for his actions.
Community in Mourning as Victims Identified
The human toll of the attack remains severe. According to a midday update from NSW Health, 24 patients are still receiving hospital treatment. Of these, three are in a critical condition, with a further five listed as critical but stable.
The Jewish community is grieving deeply. Reuven Morrison has been identified as one of the victims, seen in footage heroically throwing an object at the disarmed gunman, Sajid Akram. His daughter, Sheina Gutnick, paid a moving tribute, saying, "Everyone who knew him knew the incredible man that was just too big for this world... He went down fighting, protecting the people he loved most."
Political Repercussions and Calls for Action
The attack has ignited a fierce debate on gun laws. Gun control advocates are urging PM Albanese to demonstrate the same resolve as former Prime Minister John Howard did after the Port Arthur massacre and move to abolish recreational hunting licences.
Dean Sherr, a former adviser to Albanese, articulated the fear within the Jewish community in a piece for the Guardian, asking, "At Bondi, every Jewish person’s worst nightmare came true... Can we still have a safe future in Australia?"
Meanwhile, as the Ashes Test gets underway in Adelaide, cricket fans have been assured of no increased threat level, though security will be heightened. The sporting event continues under a shadow, a symbol of the nation attempting to carry on.
