Prince William and Princess Kate have shared their “deepest condolences” to those affected by the Bondi Beach shooting after the King and Queen sent their own message.
The Prince and Princess of Wales said: “Our thoughts are with every Australian today following the terrible attack at Bondi Beach.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and stand with the Jewish community in grief.
“We are also thinking about the bravery of the emergency responders, particularly the two injured officers. W & C.”
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Their message came after the King and Queen shared their own sympathies for the people of Australia.
King Charles wrote: “My wife and I are appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people attending the Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community.
“We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy.
The King and Queen also sent a message of support
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GETTY“In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia – and the light at the heart of the Chanukah festival – will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”
Some 12 people were killed during the attack, and 29 people have been taken to various hospitals across Sydney.
One of the gunmen was killed at the scene, and one remains in police custody in a serious condition.
Naveed Akram, 24, has been named as one of the alleged gunmen in the mass shooting.
One of the alleged shooters in the mass shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday has been identified. | SUPPLIED
He is said to be from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s south-west.
Akram’s suburban home, which his family have owned for one year, is currently being raided by police.
At a different press conference, ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess also confirmed one of the shooters had been known to intelligence agencies.
“Like NSW Police, one of these individuals was known to us, but not in an immediate threat perspective. So obviously, we need to look into what happened here,” he said.
The incident took place on a bridge near Bondi Beach | GETTY
Commissioner Lanyon confirmed they will “make sure no stone is left unturned” regarding a potential third gunman, adding police are investigating “thoroughly” any other people linked to the shooting.
“I have also authorised special powers … to ensure that if there is a third offender, and we are currently investigating that at the moment, we will make sure that we prevent any further activity,” he said.
“There is a massive police response, and I think as journalists you have seen how quickly and promptly the police responded.”
It is the worst mass shooting in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
