Florida residents heartbroken, outraged by deadly attack on Australia's Jewish community Hanukkah celebration
After two gunmen targeted and killed over a dozen people during a Hanukkah event in Australia on Sunday, Floridians are heartbroken and outraged by the international tragedy as they ramp up security measures back home.
Australian officials said at least 15 people were shot and killed in an attack targeting a Jewish community event during the first day of Hanukkah on Sydney's Bondi Beach. Another 40 people were hospitalized with injuries, including a child and two officers.
Two of the suspects were identified as father and son, according to New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon.
Lanyon added that the 50-year-old father was killed, and the son — identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram, a Sydney-based Pakistani national, according to a U.S. intelligence briefing and a driver's license provided by Australian police — was in custody in critical but stable condition.
Australian and international leaders have condemned the shooting as an antisemitic terrorist attack, and police said they expect the death toll to continue to climb.
Police serving areas with large Jewish communities increase their presence
Throughout the United States, particularly South Florida, which has one of the most significant Jewish populations in the U.S., local leaders and law enforcement agencies are sharing their emotional reactions to the attack and the measures they have taken to ensure safety and security during the holiday.
In a statement shared on X, the Miami Beach Police Department said it is "deeply saddened" by reports from Australia and extended its thoughts and prayers to all affected, as it continues to monitor the situation.
The agency continued, saying though there are no credible threats to the City of Miami Beach, it is increasing its uniformed presence at synagogues, schools and other key locations citywide to help ensure the "continued safety of our residents and visitors."
"As we observe the first night of Hanukkah--a time of light, reflection, and resilience--we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious or unlawful activity," Miami Beach Police said.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said on X that she was heartbroken by the attack just hours after sharing a heartfelt message in commemoration of the first night of Hanukkah.
"We mourn the lives lost and stand with the Jewish community," she said. "We will continue to work with law enforcement to help keep Jewish spaces safe in Miami-Dade."
In an email statement provided later to CBS News Miami, Cava reiterated that she will continue coordinating safety measures with the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of synagogues, community centers and other places where Jewish residents gather.
Miami Beach Police advises people to call 911 for emergencies only and to call (305) 673-7901 for non-emergencies.
Floridians stand in solidarity with the Jewish community
Across Florida, regardless of where they stand on the political spectrum, people are mourning with the Jewish community, saying they will stand by them during this time of tragedy.
"It's a horrendous thing to wake up to, I have two young children and the first thing I thought abut is this could've been, God forbid. God forbid this could have been my family," reveler Florence, who was celebrating the first night of Hanukkah in Miami Beach, told CBS News Miami. "They're celebrating Hanukkah. They're doing exactly this. And the fact that we have to think about our safety while lighting Hanukkah candles and there's police on the roof to protect us for being who we are is absolutely insane."
Cava expressed more of the pain she felt when she saw the reports, saying, "What should have been a moment of prayer and celebration was turned into an act of terror that claimed at least 15 lives."
"As someone who is Jewish, this hits close to home," she said. "When Jewish people are attacked for who they are, the impact is far-reaching. This is what antisemitism looks like. It is real, and it is growing."
Cava added that her heart is with everyone affected by the attack.
In another email statement provided to CBS News Miami, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis condemned the Australia shooting, saying that she is "heartbroken and outraged by the anti-semitic terrorist attack that took place during a peaceful Hanukkah celebration in Sydney."
"I stand in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters here in Miami-Dade County and around the world," she said.
Orbis continued, saying the attack is "a painful reminder that antisemitism and terrorism remain real threats," and called for unity against hate "wherever it appears."
"Our county is home to a strong and vibrant Jewish community. You are our neighbors, our friends, and our family. We stand with you. We stand together against antisemitism, against terrorism, and against any attempt to intimidate people of faith," she continued. "As we mark Hanukkah, may the light of the candles remind us to count our blessings, stand shoulder to shoulder, and reaffirm that unity and faith will always be stronger than hate."
"Antisemitism is real, and it's awful, and it must stop, and I'm here in solidarity with my neighbors and with the Jewish community," said Monica Matteo-Salinas, Miami Beach Commissioner-elect. "We're going to protect them and make them feel safe."
"Mayor Meiner and I and the city commission made sure that we had ample security for all the Jewish events in Miami Beach," said Miami Beach Commissioner David Suarez.
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott said on X that he is praying for the victims of the attack and condemned antisemitism for creating the environment for the "despicable act."
U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a member of the Congressional Jewish Caucus, also said on X that he stands with the Jewish communities in Sydney and around the world "who are grieving and shaken by [Sunday's] horrific attack at Bondi Beach."
"The first night of Hanukkah should have been a peaceful evening of family, celebration, and light," he said. "This tragedy shows just how real and urgent the warnings are about Antisemitism."
And event revelers in South Florida, like Florence, have a message.
"The biggest message I would say to anyone is that it literally makes Jewish people stronger," she said. "Like, the hate we face, makes us all want to go and be even more Jewish."