US cities boost security at Hanukkah events after Bondi Beach shooting
Authorities said the attack, carried out by two gunmen, was “designed to target Sydney's Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah,” the Jewish Festival of Lights. It was described as a "terrorism event" by local officials.
In response, police departments in New York City, Suffolk County in New York state, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Washington, DC increased deployments at synagogues, schools, and Hanukkah gatherings, even though officials confirmed there are no credible local threats.
“This was a deliberate act of violence against Jews celebrating their faith,” said New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. “This is not an isolated incident. It is part of a wider assault on Jewish life.”
Outgoing New York Mayor Eric Adams also emphasized the antisemitic nature of the attack, stating: “This was just not a random act of violence. It was antisemitic and targeted Jewish people.”
The New York Police Department added uniformed personnel, heavy weapons teams, and specialized patrols, while Suffolk County officials said they are monitoring developments and maintaining communication with local Jewish community leaders.
In California, the Los Angeles Police Department committed extra patrols to Jewish facilities, schools, synagogues, and Hanukkah events. Beverly Hills police increased patrols and surveillance drone usage. Meanwhile, Washington, DC Metropolitan Police deployed additional resources to synagogues “out of an abundance of caution,” despite there being “no known nexus to DC” from the Bondi Beach attack.
At least 16 people died in the shooting, including one of the assailants, and 42 remained hospitalized. Australian authorities reported that the suspected gunmen were a father and son.
The father was killed at the scene, while the son remains in critical but stable condition in hospital. No further suspects are being sought, as stated by reports.
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