Christopher Luxon holds post-Cabinet press conference
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to meet with Jewish groups this afternoon after a terrorist attack in Sydney that killed at least 15 innocent people.
Among those who have lost their lives is a 10-year-child.
Speaking to reporters at Parliament this afternoon, Luxon described the attack ona Jewish Hanukkah festival at Bondi as a “sickening” incident at what should have been a joyous event.
“We stand with you,” he said in a message to the Jewish communities in New Zealand and Australia.
“This appears to be an act of anti-semitism in all its ugliness and cruelty.”
Reports of horror and heroism have since emerged, including footage of a brave civilian who tackled and disarmed one of the Bondi gunmen.
In other media reports, people have described being shot in the back, scrambling to find their children and seeing “bodies all over the floor”.
Meanwhile, in NZ armed police are standing guard at Jewish sites around the country. Luxon said he wants to reassure Jewish communities that he was doing everything he could after the attack – and that he wanted them to feel safe in NZ.
Luxon is due to meet with Jewish groups and communities this afternoon in a private meeting.
Two officers could be seen holding rifles outside the Holocaust Centre of NZ in Wellington this morning. Meanwhile in Auckland, about five armed police could be seen outside Kadimah School in Remuera.
Armed police were standing guard outside Wellington's Holocaust Centre of New Zealand today after a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. Photo / Ethan Manera
Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Tusha Penny said “sincere and heartfelt condolences” went out to the families of the victims.
“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,” Penny said.
“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 NZ.”
Earlier today, Luxon said he was shocked by the distressing scenes in Bondi, “a place that Kiwis visit every day”.
“Australia and NZ are closer than friends, we’re family. My thoughts, and the thoughts of all New Zealanders, are with those affected.”
