In a decisive response to a horrific attack, the Australian government has announced a major initiative to remove hundreds of thousands of firearms from public circulation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled the plan on Friday, just days after a shooting rampage at a Jewish holiday festival in Sydney left 15 people dead.
National Day of Mourning Announced
Speaking at a press conference, Prime Minister Albanese declared that Sunday will be observed as a national day of reflection across Australia. The country will pause for a minute of silence to honour the victims of the attack, which occurred at a popular beach park in Sydney. Albanese encouraged Australians to light a candle at 6:47 PM, exactly one week after the tragic event unfolded.
Crackdown on Gun Ownership Laws
The renewed focus on firearms comes as authorities revealed troubling details about the alleged gunmen. One of the attackers held a valid firearm licence and legally owned six guns, despite residing in a suburban area of Sydney. "There's no reason why someone in that situation needed that many guns," Albanese stated emphatically.
Consequently, the government has committed to tightening laws surrounding gun ownership. New measures under serious consideration include:
- A potential cap on the number of firearms an individual can own.
- Tighter restrictions on the types of guns permitted for private ownership.
- A comprehensive buyback programme aimed at taking a vast number of weapons off the streets.
Scene Reopens Amidst Grief
On Friday, Bondi Beach park, the site where the shooters targeted participants of the Hanukkah festival, was reopened to the public. The reopening marks a step towards normalcy, even as the nation grapples with the aftermath and prepares for a sombre day of collective mourning and reflection this Sunday.
