Bondi shooting as it happened: 15 victims confirmed dead following massacre, PM to strengthen gun laws

A woman has been escorted away by NSW Police officers after she reportedly disrupted mourners at a site where Australians are laying flowers for the victims of the Bondi shooting.

The woman was seen surrounded by around 10 NSW Police officers after reportedly yelling messages during the peaceful and emotional scenes at the growing memorial at Bondi Beach.

When asked by reporters what she said as she was being taken away, the woman said: “The Israeli flag is politicising this tragedy”

“I came here today because I’m a Jewish person. Because my family was murdered in (the) Holocaust, because I had community members murdered here.”

“Remove the Israeli flag. Depoliticise this event.”

Applause was heard from mourners as the woman was taken away.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is now speaking again, after his Cabinet and national security committee met and had briefings from NSW Premier Chris Minns and NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon.

The NSW Police and Federal Police commissioners will also brief a meeting of National Cabinet in a couple of hours’ time.

Mr Albanese said his government will expand funding for security for Jewish community groups and facilities, fast-track tax-deductible status for Jewish charities, help insurance companies to payout to affected businesses in Bondi, and offer support for funerals for the victims.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn has created a public condolence book for people to pay their respects to the victims of the Bondi shooting.

Ms Mostyn has been in Sydney meeting members of the community to commemorate the attacks.

However, the condolence book is available at her official residence in Yarralumla, so those in Canberra can sign it in person.

It will be available until Thursday.

The NSW Government has also set up an online condolence book for Australians to sign.

The aunt of the 10-year-old child killed in the Bondi Beach terror attack has shared more details about her family’s heartbreak.

“We are all devastated....I look on the phone and I’m just hoping it’s not real,” Lina Cznernik told 7NEWS on Monday afternoon.

“I wish it never happened to anyone, to any family to go through what we’re going through.

“I just can’t believe this happened in Australia and to my family. We will never be the same. We will never be a happy family again.”

Ms Cznernik revealed that Matilda was attending the festival with her sister, Summer, when she was killed.

“They don’t have much, but they were happy with what they have...going out on the beach for walks, just simple things in life,” Ms Cznernik said.

She said Matilda and her sister were the “happiest children you can imagine”.

Read the full story here.

Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has issued an urgent call for people in New South Wales to donate blood in the wake of Sunday’s deadly terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.

NSW Health said 27 people were receiving treatment at hospitals around the city on Monday after 42 were treated in the wake of the mass shooting on Sunday night, which also killed 15 people.

Cummins, who lives with his wife Vicky and two children in Sydney’s eastern suburb of Waverley, not far from Bondi, took to Instagram on Monday to say he was “absolutely devastated by the horror last night in Bondi”.

“My heart goes out to the victims, their families, the people of Bondi and the Jewish community during this time,” his post reads.

“If you can, please book an appointment to donate blood.”

In the wake of the attack, Lifeblood urged Sydneysiders — particularly those with the O negative blood type — to donate as soon as possible.

​Read the full story. ​

NSW Police is urging family and witnesses of the Bondi terror attack to attend a community reception centre established at a Coogee hotel.

Located at the InterContinental Sydney on Arden Street, the centre has been designated as a location for people to speak to investigators and support officers during the early stages of the investigation.

Anyone seeking general information is urged to contact the Public Information and Inquiry Centre by calling 1800 227 228 or here for general mental health or victim support services.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called Foreign Minister Penny Wong to pass on his country’s solidarity with the Jewish community and with the Australian people after Sunday’s terrorist attack at Bondi.

“We are grateful to Australian first responders and bystanders for their heroic response,” Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement.

“As Jews around the world light Hanukkah candles tonight, they commemorate the triumph of light over darkness and the long history of Jewish resilience in the face of oppression.”

“No community should have to fear publicly celebrating their faith and traditions due to the threat of extremist violence and terror. There can be no compromise with antisemitism – this scourge must be confronted and defeated.”

The former PM has come to the scene to pay his respects and has had a quick chat with 7NEWS.

“What they’re seeking to do is to divide us, to make us angry, to split us,” he said.

“We are the the world. What we have to do is remember that we’ve got to put our arms around the Jewish community. Our Jewish friends and neighbours, show them our love and our solidarity, and not give the terrorists a win.”

The 10-year-old child killed in the Bondi Beach terror attack has been identified as her heartbroken family speak out over their devastating loss.

Matilda Poltavchenko was at Bondi Beach on Sunday Night when two men opened fire, killing 15 innocent people.

“A great tragedy has happened to my family,” Matilda’s aunt wrote on Facebook on Monday.

“Yesterday my beloved niece Matilda was killed during a terrorist attack in Bondi Beach.

“I don’t know how we survive such grief.”

Read the full story here.

Chris Minns admitted on Monday that NSW gun laws need to change as they are not strong enough to keep Australians safe.

“Yes, they (gun laws) need to change, and they can change,” the Premier said.

“It does require legislation. It means introducing a bill to Parliament, to be really blunt, making it more difficult to get rid of these horrifying weapons that have no practical use in our community.

“If you’re not a farmer, you’re not involved in agriculture, why do you need these massive weapons to put the public in danger and make life dangerous and difficult for NSW Police?”

Mr Minns said he needed “time” before dangerous weapons that public at risk could be put under new laws, but said he would recall State Parliament if needed.