'A Very Brave Person': Trump Praises Australian National Who Took On Gunman In Bondi Beach Attack

Last Updated:December 15, 2025, 07:39 IST

Donald Trump praised the Australian civilian who confronted a gunman during the deadly Bondi Beach attack, calling him “a very, very brave person” whose actions saved many lives.

Donald Trump/ A photo from the scene of the attack at Sydney beach (AP)

US President Donald Trump on Sunday praised the Australian man who confronted one of the gunmen during the deadly Bondi Beach attack in Sydney, describing him as “a very, very brave person" whose actions helped save many lives.

He also expressed condolences to the victims of what he termed an anti-Semitic terror attack.

Speaking about the incident, Trump referred to the dramatic moment when a civilian intervened as gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack that left at least 16 people dead and dozens injured, according to Australian authorities.

“It’s been a very, very brave person, actually, who went and attacked frontally one of the shooters and saved a lot of lives," Trump said.

“So very brave person who’s right now in the hospital, pretty seriously wounded. So a great respect to that man who did that."

Trump’s remarks came as investigators in Australia confirmed that the attack was carried out by two gunmen, identified as a father and son, and described the shooting as an act of antisemitic terrorism.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the violence struck at the heart of the nation and forever tarnished one of the country’s most iconic locations.

Referring to the broader tragedy, Trump said, “Likewise, in Australia, as you know, there was a terrible attack."

He added, “I just want to pay my respects to everybody."

Trump also linked his remarks on Australia to his comments about other recent acts of violence, including an attack in Syria, saying it had been “a rough day."

“In Syria also, we had an attack in Syria, and we had three great patriots,  terminated by bad people. It was ISIS," he said, adding that the Syrian government had fought “by our side."

Trump said that while three people were killed, two of the injured victims had already been released from the hospital, and another was expected to recover.

Turning back to Australia, Trump addressed the country’s leadership and people directly.

“But to Australians, the Prime Minister, to everybody that we know so well, we get along with so well, we have a great relationship," he said.

“That’s a terrible situation going on over there. Think of that."

As Australia mourns the victims, Trump said he wanted to offer condolences from the United States.

“To the families of those that are no longer with us, I pay my deepest regards and respects from the United States of America," he said. “It’s a very important thing to say. And we mean it."

The Bondi Beach shooting occurred during a Chanukah by the Sea celebration attended by hundreds of people, including families and children.

According to the Associated Press, witnesses described scenes of chaos as shots rang out and beachgoers fled.

Video footage showed a man tackling and disarming one of the gunmen, an act later praised by New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, who called him a “genuine hero."

Australian police said emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 6.45 pm. One gunman was shot dead by police, while the other was wounded and taken into custody.

Authorities said they were not looking for any additional suspects and had launched a thorough investigation into the attack, which has intensified national concern over a rise in antisemitic incidents across Australia over the past year.

ALSO READ | Suspects In Sydney’s Bondi Beach Terror Attack Identified As Father-Son, Death Toll Rises To 16

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