Trump opens White House Hanukkah celebration with ‘love and prayers’ to people of Australia over antisemitic terrorist attack
President Donald Trump opened the White House Hanukkah celebration by sending “love and prayers” to the people of Australia following the antisemitic terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
Trump began the ceremony on the third night of the Jewish holiday by paying tribute to the victims of Sunday’s mass shooting, which claimed the lives of 15 people and injured 25 more.
“Let me take a moment to send the love and prayers to our entire nation, to the people of Australia, and especially all those affected by the horrific and antisemitic terrorist attack,” Trump said, speaking from the East Room.
“We’re joined in mourning all of those who were killed, and we’re praying for the swift recovery of the wounded, some are very horrifically wounded,” the president continued. “As you probably know, all nations must stand together against the evil forces of radical Islamic terrorism, and we’re doing that.”
At a news conference Tuesday, Australian officials said the shooting, which took place at an event called Chanukah by the Sea, was “a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State.”
The suspects were a father and son, aged 50 and 24, authorities said. The older man was shot dead while his son was being treated at a hospital.
Following Trump’s brief remarks on the Sydney terrorist attack, he veered into familiar territory, bragging about how he was “the healthiest” president out of himself, Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
Trump then called up prominent supporters, including billionaire donor Miriam Adelson, to fawn over him on stage.
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