Thousands of people have today gathered at Bondi Beach for a paddle-out tribute honouring the victims of Sunday’s terror attack, as Sydney continues to mourn one of the deadliest acts of violence in the city’s history.
The paddle-out, held about 100 metres from the site of the attack, drew hundreds of local surfers and community members, who entered the water in silence to pay their respects to the 15 people killed and the 41 injured when gunmen targeted a Jewish event at Bondi Beach.
Three funerals are taking place in Sydney today, following emotional services held on Thursday for 10-year-old Matilda, Melbourne businessman Reuven Morrison and Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman.
Sixteen patients remain in hospitals across Sydney, with four in critical condition. Bondi hero Ahmed Al Ahmed, who disarmed one of the gunmen during the attack, remains hospitalised and is expected to undergo his third surgery today.
Meanwhile, NSW Police have confirmed that seven men arrested in Sydney’s south-west on Thursday are believed to have links to extremist Islamic ideology. A senior police officer said investigators are examining whether the group posed a broader threat, as authorities remain on heightened alert following the attack.
The terror group Islamic State has since described the killings as a “source of pride” in a post published on its Telegram channel, prompting renewed calls for action against extremist propaganda and hate-fuelled violence.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a sweep of new hate speech laws, while Opposition Leader Sussan Ley outlined the Coalition’s proposed measures to combat antisemitism.
On Wednesday, surviving gunman Naveed Akram, 24, was charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. His father and alleged co-offender, Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police at the scene.
