Trump Condemns Antisemitic Terror Attack in Australia, Calls for Global Unity Against Extremism
Washington, DC (US), December 17, 2025, BNN Web Staff; US President Donald Trump has strongly condemned the deadly antisemitic terror attack in Australia, urging nations across the world to stand together against terrorism and hatred.
Addressing a Hanukkah reception at the White House, Trump expressed solidarity with the people of Australia and the Jewish community affected by the attack.
Speaking in the East Room during the Hanukkah celebration, Trump said his thoughts and prayers were with the victims of what he described as a “horrific antisemitic terrorist attack” that occurred during a Jewish religious gathering in Sydney.
He stressed that the international community must unite to confront what he termed the growing threat of radical extremism.
Australian authorities are continuing investigations into the December 14 attack at Bondi Beach, which took place during a Hanukkah event and resulted in at least 15 deaths and multiple injuries. The incident has been officially classified as a terrorist act.
In a significant clarification, Telangana Police stated on Tuesday that one of the accused, Sajid Akram, was originally from Hyderabad, correcting earlier claims that the attackers were of Pakistani origin.
The assault was allegedly carried out by Sajid Akram, 50, who was shot dead by Australian police, along with his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram.
Investigators have said the attackers were influenced by Islamic State ideology. Australian police reported that a vehicle linked to the younger suspect contained improvised explosive devices and homemade ISIS flags, which were later safely seized.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese termed the incident a “devastating terrorist attack” and a targeted act of antisemitism against Jewish Australians. He said there was no place for hate, violence, or terrorism in the country.
Albanese also met Ahmed, the man who gained widespread attention for bravely tackling and disarming the attacker during the shooting. A video of the act showed Ahmed restraining the gunman and preventing further harm. Praising his courage, Albanese called him an Australian hero who ran toward danger to save lives.
Meanwhile, Trump’s intelligence chief criticised the Australian government, linking the attack to what she described as unchecked Islamist extremism and migration policies. She warned that Islamist terrorism remains one of the most serious threats to global security and highlighted the Trump administration’s emphasis on border security and counterterrorism measures.
New South Wales Police said the Bondi Beach area remains cordoned off as investigations continue, with strict security measures still in force. Australia, which has experienced relatively few mass shootings since implementing strict gun laws in 1996, is treating the Bondi Beach incident as one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent years.
