Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned Monday of rising threats from far-right extremism following a deadly Islamic jihad attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach that killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration.
The father-son duo, who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, opened fire Sunday evening on families gathered for the "Chanukah by the Sea" event, authorities said.
One attacker, Naveed Akram, 50, was killed in the shootout; his son remains in critical condition.
"This was an act of pure evil, an act of terror, an act of antisemitism," Albanese told reporters in Sydney, vowing to eradicate the "scourge" of hate.
He condemned the "extremist ideology" driving the assault, noting the suspects held valid hunting licences for the firearms used. Albanese announced plans for stricter gun laws, including periodic licence reviews to prevent radicalization among legal owners.
"Licences should not be in perpetuity," he said. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess highlighted threats from "antisemitism, the rise of right-wing extremist groups," urging vigilance.
National Cabinet will discuss reforms Tuesday. The attack, Australia's deadliest mass shooting in nearly 30 years, has sparked debates on security and hate crimes amid a surge in antisemitism since 2023.