Armed police are standing guard at Jewish sites around New Zealand following an Australian terror attack that has left at least 16 people dead.
Multiple people – including one of two gunmen – were killed, and scores hospitalised after a pair opened fire targeting those at a Chanukah festival in the Sydney suburb of Bondi last night.
The horror incident has since been officially designated as a terrorist attack.
This morning, armed police officers can be seen stationed outside Jewish sites around New Zealand.
Two officers could be seen holding rifles outside the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand in Wellington this morning.
Meanwhile in Auckland, about five armed police could be seen outside Kadimah school, in Remuera.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Tusha Penny said NZ Police’s “sincere and heartfelt condolences” went out to the families of the Bondi shooting’s victims.
“Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this tragedy, including our Australian policing colleagues,” Penny said.
“This week is an important week for the Jewish faith, and we are working directly with the Jewish Council to ensure everybody can celebrate safely. The public can expect to see an increased visible police presence nationally, and for reassurance, additional patrols have been enacted at significant sites of Jewish worship around New Zealand.”
Australian Prime Minister Albanese has described the attack as an act of “evil anti-Semitism”.
Within hours of the mass shooting, it was deemed an act of terrorism and the National Security Committee had been convened.
More than 1000 people were believed to have attended the event, which marked the first night of Chanukah.
“Australians have had their lives cruelly stolen.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the attack was a “terrible night for Sydney”.
One of the two gunmen believed to have gunned down those from the Jewish community event is among those dead, New South Wales Police confirmed.
The other suspect in the shootings was in a critical condition and NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said authorities were probing the involvement of a third person.
A member of the local Jewish community told a Herald reporter on the scene that bodies were all over the ground.
“People who were part of your community. When you are Jewish, every person is part of your community.
“Their blood is your blood – we all come from the same cloth. It’s just as painful for me as it is for everyone.
“I don’t even have words. I can’t articulate how I feel right now,” the woman said.
“This is my home. I’ve been here my whole life,” said the woman, who did not want to be named.
“We are good people. No one deserves this. No community group deserves this.”
Israel’s Prime Minister has accused the Australian Government of “promoting and encouraging” anti-Semitism in the months leading up to the attack.
Benjamin Netanyahu said he had written earlier this year to Albanese, warning that recognising a Palestinian state would “pour fuel on the anti-Semitic fire”.
“It rewards Hamas terrorists. It emboldens those who menace Australian Jews and encourages the Jew hatred now stalking your streets,” he said following the shooting on Sunday.
In a lengthy statement on the attack, Netanyahu said, “history will not forgive hesitation and weakness”.
In response to the comments, Albanese said this was a “moment for national unity”.
“This is a moment for Australians to come together. That’s precisely what we will be doing,” Albanese told reporters.
Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.