An attack on a Jewish community event on Australia’s Bondi Beach dominates the front pages of Monday’s newspapers. The Daily Mail focuses its coverage on the “incredible courage” of a 43-year-old shopkeeper who grabbed a gun from one of the attackers in an effort to save lives. The newspaper says Ahmed al Ahmed was shot after attacking one of the gunmen from behind and is still in the hospital.
El Metro fills its front page with photographs from a widely circulated video in which Ahmed disarms one of the gunmen. The newspaper quotes New South Wales Premier Chris Minns as praising the father-of-two as “a genuine hero”, saying “there is no doubt that many, many people are alive… as a result of his bravery”.
“Hero of Bondi” echoes the Daily Star as it reports that the death toll from the tragedy has risen to 15 people, including a child, and 42 people remain in hospital. He says a father and son were responsible for the attack.
The Daily Express describes Ahmed’s actions as “fearless”.
The i reports that Sydney’s Jewish community is in mourning as Hanukkah celebrations begin around the world.
“Hatred and heroism against Bondi” is the Daily Telegraph headline. The newspaper echoes comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state was adding “fuel to the anti-Semitic fire.”
The Guardian begins with the Australian Prime Minister’s condemnation of the attack as “an act of evil anti-Semitism.” The incident is the deadliest terrorist attack in Australia in almost three decades, according to the newspaper.
“Bloodbath on Bondi beach,” reports the Times. Police say security services knew one of the gunmen, but authorities had no indication of a planned attack, the newspaper says. Another headline also appears on the front page: the head of MI6, Blaise Metrewelli, who will warn on Monday that the rules of war are being “rewritten by Russia.”
The Independent highlights a photograph of a British-born rabbi who was among those killed in the massacre.
The Sun calls the gunmen “Bondi demons” as it says police shot both men, killing the father while the son remains in hospital in a critical condition.
The Mirror follows with photos of people fleeing Bondi Beach as the attack unfolded. “Horror and heroism in Bondi” is the headline.
Finally, the Financial Times presents an image of a police officer standing guard at Bondi Beach as authorities continue to investigate the crime scene. It also reports on investors seeking protection as “fears of an AI crisis test Wall Street’s nerves.”
