Australia mass shooting: Austin rabbi speaks on attack

Australia mass shooting: Austin rabbi speaks

After a mass shooting in Australia, there was a visible law enforcement presence outside of Jewish schools, synagogues, and events, worldwide.

AUSTIN, Texas - There is new information on the mass shooting in Australia. The country's police said the anti-Semitic shooting at Bondi Beach was inspired by the Islamic state.

There was a visible law enforcement presence outside of Jewish schools, synagogues, and events worldwide on the second night of Hanukkah.

Australia mass shooting

The backstory:

Australia mass shooting: New details

Australian officials are preparing to charge the surviving suspected gunman in Sunday's beachside shooting rampage, a father-son attack they said was an act of terrorism.

Sixteen people are dead, and at least 40 others are hospitalized after two suspects, a father and son, opened fire on Bondi Beach on Sunday, Dec. 14, where more than 1,000 people gathered to celebrate the first day of the Jewish Festival of Lights.

"What should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters has been shattered by this horrifying, evil attack," said Mal Lanyon, New South Wales Police Commissioner.

The 50-year-old father was shot and killed by police while the 24-year-old son is in critical but stable condition, according to the New South Wales police.

"Shortly after the shooting occurred, police located a vehicle in Campbell Parade at Bondi, which we believe has several improvised explosive devices," said Lanyon.

Austin rabbi reacts

What they're saying:

"The attack, for me, is a series of attacks that have been taking place," said Rabbi Daniel Septimus, CEO of Shalom Austin. "This is just the latest episode of what we've seen in a global surge of antisemitism."

Police ramped up security at synagogues across the nation, including in Austin, following the targeted attack.

"In light of the Australian attacks, we've enhanced coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners," said Rabbi Septimus.

Dig deeper:

Among those who were injured in the attack was a young man from Texas. His father posted on Facebook on Monday. The caption on the post reads, "This is about good vs evil, light vs darkness, upstanders vs bystanders. It’s your choice to make. Who are you?"

"The Lazaroff family and Rabbi Lazaroff, and you know, multiple generations, I actually grew up several years of my life not far from their main space in Fonderin, South West of Houston," said Rabbi Septimus. "He should know that we’re all thinking about him and that when one person is impacted in our community, it affects all of us."

Rabbi Septimu said that, as disturbing as all of this has been, he feels comforted by the outpouring of support.

"What I hope is, as we light each candle, we think of what are now 16 victims of this horrible terrorist attack that carry on the light that they brought to the world," said Rabbi Septimus.

APD issued a statement that officers will maintain a presence at Jewish Houses of Worship and any related events throughout the city.