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By Hollie Silverman
News Editor
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President Donald Trump said he has "great respect" for the man who is being called a hero after tackling one of the suspected shooters in the deadly Hanukkah attack on Bondi Beach in Australia on Sunday.
The president made the comments during his remarks at the White House Christmas reception on Sunday.
"In Australia, as you know, that was a terrible attack—11 dead, 29 badly wounded," Trump said during his remarks. "That was an antisemitic attack, obviously."
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Trump said the man who tackled one of the shooters is "a very, very brave person.”
The president also spoke about the deadly mass shooting at Brown University that happened on Saturday in Rhode Island, saying, “I pay my deepest regards and respects from the United States of America."
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The Context
The terrorist attack targeting Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach in Sydney has reverberated globally, spotlighting a significant rise in antisemitic violence.
The incident, which left at least 11 dead and dozens wounded, has intensified calls for stronger action against antisemitism in the United States and worldwide.
This comes amid reports of similar upticks in hate crimes and security alerts targeting Jewish individuals and events beyond Australia, raising questions on global responses to antisemitic extremism.
What To Know
Gunmen opened fire on a gathering at Bondi Beach on Sunday where more than 1,000 people were celebrating the first day of Hanukkah.
The shooting, declared a terrorist incident by Australian authorities, targeted the Jewish community and resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people, including a rabbi and a 12-year-old girl. Twenty-nine others were wounded, among them an Israeli citizen and at least one French national.
Police said two suspects were involved—one was killed at the scene, while the other is in critical condition in the hospital. Explosive devices were found and removed from a vehicle linked to one of the suspects.
Authorities praised a bystander who tackled and disarmed one of the attackers, preventing further loss of life. The attack led to an immediate increase in police presence at Hanukkah and other Jewish events in major cities around the world, including Los Angeles, New York, London, and Berlin.
On Sunday, Trump extended his condolences to the victims and their families and encouraged those celebrating Hanukkah to "celebrate proudly" and not let fear hinder their observance.
The attack was widely condemned by world leaders, including Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as officials from Europe.
Many linked the violence to a growing trend of antisemitic incidents, especially amid geopolitical tensions since Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
The Bondi Beach attack underscored a broader trend of increasing antisemitic violence. In the U.S., organizations and law enforcement agencies have warned of an upsurge in antisemitic hate crimes since 2023, with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reporting record levels of anti-Jewish incidents.
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What People Are Saying
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement: “This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith. An act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote in an X post on Sunday: “Antisemitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia.”
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wrote in an X post on Sunday: I am horrified and condemn today’s heinous deadly attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hanukkah. My heart is with the Jewish community worldwide on this first day of Hanukkah.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in a statement: "Our brothers and sisters in Sydney have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Hanukkah on Bondi Beach."
What Happens Next?
Australian authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances of the attack and are monitoring potential links to other threats.
Meanwhile, heightened security protocols remain in place around Jewish events worldwide.
Global leaders and advocacy organizations are calling for concrete action—legislatively and at a community level—to address the surge in antisemitic violence and restore a sense of safety for Jewish populations.
Update 12/14/25 2:21 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with more information.
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