Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams has confirmed there is no intelligence suggesting any increased threat to the state following Sunday’s deadly terrorist attack at a Jewish festival in Sydney.
The attack at Bondi Beach left 15 people dead, including a 10-year-old girl, with 42 others hospitalised after two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by yesterday’s tragic events at Bondi,” Adams said.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those killed or injured.”
The commissioner said Tasmania Police are actively engaging with the local Jewish community to provide reassurance during what she described as a “challenging time”.
Two NSW Police officers were among those injured in the attack, which authorities have confirmed was carried out by father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram.
Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police, while his 24-year-old son Naveed remains in hospital under police guard.
Adams said she would be writing to the NSW Police Commissioner to offer condolences and support, including “any practical support that might be required”.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has expressed sympathy for those affected by the violence.
“I’ve reached out on behalf of all Tasmanians to Premier Chris Minns, offering our support and condolences, particularly to those who have lost loved ones, family and friends, and the broader New South Wales community,” Premier Rockliff said.
“I’ve spoken to some leaders within the Tasmanian Jewish community, and offered my sincere condolences.”
“We will wrap our arms around the Tasmanian Jewish community. We are there to support each other in what is a time of deep distress and deep hurt.”
“I want to reassure Tasmanians that Tasmania is a safe place and we will do everything needed to ensure that Tasmanians both feel and are safe in their community.”
Rockliff has encouraged Tasmanians feeling overwhelmed, anxious or isolated to reach out to Tasmanian Lifeline.
“Tasmanian Lifeline is available to listen, provide emotional support, and help people navigate difficult feelings in the days and weeks after traumatic events,” he said.
Tasmanians can contact A Tasmanian Lifeline on 1800 98 44 34, available 8am to 8pm every day.
Flowers have been laid outside the Hobart Synagogue this morning in response to the tragedy.
The attack is the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre near Hobart, where 35 people lost their lives.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has vowed the government will do “whatever is necessary” to stamp out antisemitism following what he called an “evil” terror attack.
Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley, who witnessed the deadly Bondi Junction shopping centre stabbing in April 2024, condemned Sunday’s attack as clearly targeting the Jewish community.
“We can and we must do better. There is no place for racism or hatred in our country,” Blomeley said.
