Australia Announces Gun Buyback After Bondi Massacre as Community Honors Victims

Post by : Saif

Australia is taking major steps to prevent future tragedies after the mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a national gun buyback program on Friday, aimed at removing surplus and illegal firearms from the country. The announcement comes as communities gathered to honor the 15 people killed in the attack.

The buyback scheme will be similar to the program introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, where a single gunman killed 35 people. That earlier initiative led to some of the strictest gun laws in the world. Albanese said the Bondi incident shows the urgent need to get more guns off Australian streets.

The attack on Sunday occurred during Hanukkah celebrations when two gunmen opened fire on beachgoers. One of the attackers, a 50-year-old man killed by police, had six firearms registered to him. Albanese noted that it is a serious problem when one person can legally own so many high-powered rifles.

Australia currently has an estimated four million firearms. The government will collaborate with state authorities to identify and recover newly banned, surplus, and illegal weapons. Costs will be shared between federal and state governments. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the state government will reconvene next week to pass the “toughest gun law reforms in the country.” These reforms include limiting ownership to four firearms per person, stricter access to high-risk weapons, and tighter licensing requirements.

The tragedy has also led to increased security and policing across the country. Authorities intercepted two cars on Thursday and briefly detained seven men in Sydney’s southwest, fearing they were planning violent acts. No direct link was confirmed between these men and the Bondi gunmen, but authorities continue monitoring them.

The Islamic State has praised the Bondi shooting as a “source of pride,” although it has not claimed direct responsibility. Additional security has been deployed at Sydney’s Lakemba mosque ahead of Friday prayers.

Communities in Sydney have come together to honor the victims. Hundreds of surfers and swimmers performed a paddle-out at Bondi Beach, forming a circle in the water as a mark of respect. Members of Australia’s Jewish community held prayers on the beach, highlighting the outpouring of support amid concerns over rising antisemitism. Rabbi Yosef Eichenblatt said the solidarity shown by the wider community was deeply moving and therapeutic.

Funerals for victims continued on Friday, including for Boris and Sofia Gurman, a couple who were killed while trying to stop one of the gunmen. Meanwhile, Ahmed al Ahmed, who wrestled a gun from one of the attackers and helped save lives, received more than A$2.5 million ($1.65 million) from an online fundraiser supported by tens of thousands of people.

The Bondi massacre has reignited national debate over gun control, with the government committed to stronger laws to protect citizens. While the country mourns its victims, the focus remains on preventing future violence and supporting those affected.

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