‘They froze’: Slow police response questioned

Police response was criticised, but Commissioner Mal Lanyon defended their actions, declaring the incident a terrorist attack. Photo / Getty Images

Questions are being asked about the speed of the police response to Sunday’s Bondi Beach massacre, after witnesses claimed cops “froze” during the 20-minute rampage that left 16 dead and 40 injured.

Two gunmen opened fire on members of the public just before 7pm near a Chanukah by the Sea event at the iconic beach, where up to 2000 people were believed to be gathered to mark the first day of the Jewish celebration also known as the Festival of Lights.

One of the gunmen was shot and killed by police, while another gunman was shot before being taken into custody in a critical condition.

During the shootout, a heroic bystander rushed towards one of the gunmen and wrestled the shotgun off the shooter, likely saving many lives.

Witness Grace Matthews told the ABC she heard shots as she walked to the event and sheltered in a nearby church.

“One of my friends was at the festival [and] he said the police were just very underprepared to respond to this kind of a threat,” she said.

“So that was why it required a member of the public, like a civilian, to neutralise one of the threats.

“There should never be a situation where a member of the public – or even a plainclothes policeman – is in a shootout with an active gunman.

“There’s a police station less than a block from where the shooting was happening … it’s beyond my understanding as to why it took so long to handle.”

Witness Shmulik Scuri was with his family when the suspects began firing from the bridge.

Scuri claimed police “froze” during the chaos.

“For 20 minutes, they shoot, shoot. Change magazines. And just shoot,” he told reporters.

This screen grab made from UGC handout video footage shows two gunmen dressed in black firing multiple shots on a bridge at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Photo / AFP

“Twenty minutes, there was four policemen there. Nobody give fire back. Nothing. Like they froze. I don’t understand why.”

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon defended the response of police and said he was “incredibly proud” of the way they had handled the tragedy.

Sunday’s shooting sparked a massive multi-agency response, with police and emergency services called in from across the city.

Police worked overtime, triaging victims at the scene and were reportedly called in to drive ambulances as victims were rushed to nearby hospitals.

“They have done a fantastic job, and unfortunately, after the Westfield Bondi Junction attack, we have learned a lot and tonight ambulance and police and other responders acted promptly and professionally to do a great job,” he told reporters.

Police first responders speak to members of the public at the scene of a mass shooting at Bondi Beach. Photo / Getty Images

Naveed Akram, 24, is confirmed to be one of the two shooters. Police are probing whether a third suspect was involved.

Sixteen people, including one of the gunmen, were killed and at least 40 people have been injured, police confirmed on Monday morning.

Lanyon confirmed the shooting has been declared a terrorist incident.

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