The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued a statement in the aftermath of a mass shooting with at least 15 fatalities Sunday, Dec. 14, at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that took place in Sydney targeting people of faith as they gathered,” the statement says. “We condemn and feel acutely the pain of such a senseless act and mourn with our brothers and sisters in the Jewish community around the world.
“May we all come together in peace and love to comfort those in need. As followers of Jesus Christ, we look to His example and pray that His love will soften hearts and inspire harmony and compassion during this holy season.”
The Church’s statement was posted Sunday afternoon on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
At least 15 people have died in what is being called “a terror attack,” which targeted the Jewish community celebrating the first night of Hanukkah at one of Australia’s most iconic beaches. Bondi Beach is located about 4 miles (7 kilometers) east of Sydney’s central business district.
New South Wales police say 15 individuals — ages 10 to 87 — were killed in the Bondi Beach attack, with 40 more hospitalized with wounds in various conditions. It is Australia’s worst mass shooting in almost 30 years.
Sunday evening, an estimated 1,000 people had gathered at the grassy Archer Park area of Bondi. At 6:47 p.m. local time, at least two gunmen opened fire. Police in Sydney said Monday morning that one shooting suspect had died and another was hospitalized in critical condition.
