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Mom of alleged Bondi Beach shooter breaks silence after shocking attack that killed at least 15
The mother of one of the alleged shooters involved in a horrifying terrorist attack on Bondi Beach has spoken out.
The Australian destination, popular with Sydney locals and tourists alike, was plunged into chaos over the weekend as gunmen began firing at civilians, many of whom were members of the Jewish community who'd had gathered to celebrate Hanukkah.
At least 42 people were injured in the incident, with 15 people - including a 10-year-old girl and a holocaust survivor - confirmed to have died, with six others remaining in critical condition.
Police have revealed that the attack was carried out by Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed, 24, a father and son.
Sajid was killed at the scene by police, while Naveed is currently in critical condition in hospital.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon of New South Wales police also revealed in a press conference that two "active" explosive devices had been found nearby, removed, and disarmed.
Lanyon described them as being of "fairly basic" construction, but added: "I’m very glad that those devices were not activated."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said following the incident: "What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores in an iconic Australian location, Bondi Beach, that is associated with joy, associated with families gathering, associated with celebrations."
Now, Verena, the mother of the younger attacker has spoken out, describing her final communication with her son - who she says was a "good boy" - before the atrocity.
She revealed that he had told her he was going fishing with his father in Jervis Bay over the weekend, telling the Sydney Morning Herald: "He rings me up [on Sunday] and said, 'Mum, I just went for a swim. I went scuba diving. We're going… to eat now. [This morning] we're going to stay home now because it's very hot.'"
Verena added that she didn't believe her son was capable of violence or extremism, adding: "He doesn’t have a firearm. He doesn’t even go out. He doesn’t mix around with friends.
"He doesn’t drink, he doesn’t smoke, he doesn’t go to bad places … he goes to work, he comes home, he goes to exercise and that’s it.
"Anyone would wish to have a son like my son … he’s a good boy."
Amid the horror unfolding on Bondi Beach, one man risked his own life to disarm one of the shooters and prevent further people being killed or injured.
Father-of-two Ahmed Al Ahmed, 43, was filmed creeping up behind one of the gunmen before tackling him from behind and managing to remove his weapon.
Ahmed, who was struck by several shots while doing so, then pointed the gun at the attacker, who was seen backing away, before putting it safely by a tree when the shooter fled.
He is currently in hospital recovering from the injuries he received, and has been hailed a hero for his selfless actions.
Albanese also called for stricter gun laws in Australia after it was reported that Sajid allegedly legally owned six firearms.