Surfers and swimmers have paid a heartbreaking tribute to the victims of a terrorist attack at a Hanukkah event. They gathered at Australia's Bondi Beach, the site of the deadly shooting.
On December 14, thousands of surfers and swimmers went into the water to remember the 15 people killed and 41 injured. They formed a giant ring and a heart in the water. The tribute happened just 500 feet from where the Hanukkah terror attack happened.
The tribute was to "spread light, love, compassion and unity." It was also to "honor the lives lost, pray for those on the journey to recovery and express gratitude to our brave first responders," per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Tribute To Victims Of Hanukkah Terror Attack
He explained, "Right now, there are more guns in Australia than there were during Port Arthur. We can't allow that to continue."
Albanese also continued, "Non-citizens have no need to own a gun. And someone in suburban Sydney has no need to own six. But that's exactly what one of the terrorists from the weekend had access to."
Police suspect a father and son duo were responsible for the attack. Sajid Akram legally owned six guns for recreational hunting. He had a "category AB licence that entitled him to have the long arms he had."
Albanese wrote in Friday's Facebook post, "We're working with the states and territories on tough new gun laws, and together we will buy back newly banned and illegal firearms. The deadly terrorist attack at Bondi Beach can never be allowed to happen again. Tougher gun laws aren't the whole answer, but we will do everything it takes to keep Australians safe."
Two police officers were shot in the shootout with the gunmen.
"Multiple officers exchanged fire with the gunmen, and two officers - a constable and probationary constable - suffered gunshot wounds," they said in Wednesday's release.
One of those officers was Jack Hibbert.
"Although miraculously surviving, Jack's injuries have resulted in a loss of vision in one of his eyes and he now faces a long and challenging recovery ahead, with additional surgeries required," police said.
