An attack targeting a Jewish community event at Australia’s Bondi Beach dominates the front pages of Monday’s papers. The Daily Mail centres its coverage on the “incredible courage” of a 43-year-old shopkeeper who wrestled a gun off one the attackers in an effort to save lives. The paper says Ahmed al Ahmed was shot after he tackled one of the gunmen from behind and is still in hospital.
The Metro fills their front page with photos from a widely-circulated video of Mr Ahmed disarming one of the gunmen. The paper quotes New South Wales premier Chris Minns, who praised the father of two as “a genuine hero”, saying he has “no doubt many, many people are alive… as a result of his bravery”.
“Hero of Bondi” echoes the Daily Star, as it reports the death toll from the tragedy has risen to 15 people, including a child, and 42 people remain in hospital. It says a father and son were responsible for the attack.
The Daily Express describes Mr Ahmed’s actions as “fearless”.
The i reports the Jewish community in Sydney is in mourning while Hanukkah celebrations begin around the world.
“Hate and heroism on Bondi” is the Daily Telegraph’s headline. The paper picks up on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu comments, saying Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state was pouring “fuel on the anti-Semitic fire”.
The Guardian leads with the Australian PM’s condemnation of the attack as “an act of evil antisemitism”. The incident is the deadliest terror attack in Australia for nearly three decades, according to the paper.
“Bloodbath at Bondi beach” reports the Times. Police say one of the gunmen was known to security services, but authorities had no indication of a planned attack, the paper says. The front page also features another headline from MI6’s chief, Blaise Metrewelli, who will warn on Monday that the rules of war are being “rewritten by Russia”.
The Independent spotlights a photo of a British-born rabbi who was among those killed in the massacre.
The Sun calls the gunmen “Bondi fiends” as it says both men were shot by police, killing the father while the son remains in hospital in critical condition.
The Mirror follows with photos of people fleeing Bondi Beach as the attack unfolded. “Horror and heroism at Bondi” is the headline.
Finally, the Financial Times features 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 AI meltdown test Wall Street’s nerves”.
