Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has hailed an Australian hero for stepping in to apprehend a suspect following this “horrendous” terror attack at Bondi beach in Sydney.
Two gunmen opened fire at a Jewish beach festival to mark the first day of Hanukkah, leaving 11 dead and a further 29 people injured.
Shock footage circulating on social media appeared to capture the moment a bystander tackled one of the alleged gunmen.
The bystander, who has been identified as 43-year-old father-of-two Ahmed al Ahmed, was initially crouched behind a parked car before rushing towards the alleged gunman as he opened fire.
Al Ahmed then leapt on the alleged gunman and wrestled the shotgun from his hands.
Mr Farage said: “I did see some video of an heroic Australian taking the gun out of the hands of one of these terrorists.”
The Reform UK leader also warned the attack was yet another example of the “poison” of antisemitism spreading around the world.
“I am desperately sorry, desperately sorry for the Jewish community in Sydney, which is quite considerable,” Mr Farage told GB News.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has hailed an Australian hero for stepping in to apprehend a suspect following this morning’s attack at Bondi beach in Sydney
|
GB NEWS
“Equally, you realise, actually, the threat to the Jewish people is everywhere.
It’s not just in Manchester or in parts of north London.
“It’s all over the world. And there is this real poison.”
Mr Farage also admitted the West needs to “ask itself some questions” as he put pressure on the Labour Government to ban the Muslim Brotherhood.
The horror unfolded on Campbell Parade, near Bondi Pavillion, around 6.40pm local time on Sunday.
The horror unfolded on Campbell Parade, near Bondi Pavillion, around 6.40pm local time on Sunday
|
SOCIAL MEDIA
The alleged gunmen opened fire after exiting a vehicle, pelting 30 rounds of shots towards attendees at a Hanukkah event that had been described as a “night of family fun”.
Naveed Akram, 24, was shot, arrested and taken into custody by police.
He is now undergoing treatment from the emergency services.
A second gunman was shot dead at the scene.
New South Wales Police also sent a bomb disposal unit to inspect a vehicle on Campbell Parade amid fears the car might contain several improvised explosive devices.
The horrific attack was also the worst mass shooting in Australia since 1996 when a lone gunman killed 35 people in Port Arthur.
Sir Keir Starmer joined Mr Farage in sharing his thoughts and condolences with the people of Australia.
The Prime Minister said: “Deeply distressing news from Australia.
“The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack in Bondi beach. I’m being kept updated on the developing situation.”
Sir Keir Starmer alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
| PA
Sir Keir added: The United Kingdom will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community.
“We are actively working with the Community Security Trust on the policing of Chanukah events.”
However, the Prime Minister faced a fierce backlash after appearing to post a happy Hanukkha message just moments after gunmen opened fire at Bondi beach.
One social media user wrote: “The worst-timed tweet in the history of this app.”
Another said: “Delete this man…people [have] just been killed on the same event.”