The King has spoken of his sadness following a shooting at Australia’s Bondi Beach in which 12 people were killed.
His Majesty the ‘dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack’ was 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.”
The message was signed ‘Charles R’
At least 12 people have lost their lives following the attack, which has been declared a terrorist incident.
Australian police say the Jewish community were targeted.
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”.
The 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.”
Mr Albanese confirmed he had spoken with the Australian Federal Police commissioner and the premier of New South Wales, and said the federal government was working closely with local authorities. Further details, he added, would be released once information had been formally verified.
