Daily London
Albanese called the gunmen “cowards” and confirmed the National Security Committee had met and was investigating the attack as terrorism.
“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,” Albanese said.
“An act of evil antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation
“An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian and every Australian tonight will be, like me, devastated by this attack on our way of life.
“There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation.
“Let me be clear: we will eradicate it.”
Albanese said Jewish Australians “should never have to know the fear that you know tonight”.
“There are nights that tear at our nation’s soul. In this moment of darkness we must be each other’s light, hold onto the true character of the country that we love,” he said.
“Australia is stronger than the cowards who attacked innocent people today, Australia is braver than those who seek to make us afraid. Australia will never submit to division, violence or hatred.
“We will see justice done and we will come through this together.”
Albanese spoke alongside Australian Federal Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Nigel Ryan and ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess.
Ryan said the declaration of a terrorist incident would allow the AFP to work with ASIO and NSW Police using specialist powers in the investigation.
Burgess said the national terrorism threat level would remain at “probably” and “I don’t see that changing at this stage”.
Probably means a 50 per cent chance of an act of terror, “and unfortunately we have seen that horrific act occur tonight in Australia”, he said.
“We are looking at the identities of the attackers and where that is known, we are looking at the community to see if there is anyone who has similar intent.
“It’s important to stress at this point that we have no indications to that fact, but that is something we have active investigations on.”
