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Former England captain recounts harrowing experience
Michael Vaughan, the ex-England cricket captain, called Sunday's attack at Bondi Beach "terrifying" after hearing gunshots while dining with his family just 300 yards from the scene.
Vaughan, in Australia for Ashes commentary, was outside a restaurant when he mistook the initial shots for fireworks. A bouncer quickly ushered him inside, where he remained locked down for hours with his wife, sister-in-law, two daughters, and a friend.
Attack declared terrorist incident targeting Jewish community
New South Wales Police confirmed the attack as a terrorist act aimed at the Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration. At least 15 civilians, including one child, were killed.
A father and son have been identified as the alleged shooters. The older man was killed at the scene, while the younger remains in critical condition in hospital.
Vaughan praises response, calls for stricter gun laws
In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Vaughan described the day as "surreal" and expressed deep sadness for the victims. He praised the "incredible" response from authorities, restaurant staff, and bystanders.
"To be 300 yards away, in a pub locked away, scary times. Australia is an amazing country, and it's probably one of the safest places in the world. But to hear it happening is terrifying."
Michael Vaughan, former England cricket captain
In a The Telegraph column, Vaughan drew parallels to attacks in London and Manchester, noting the added horror of proximity. He echoed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's call for tougher gun laws in Australia.
Ashes Test to proceed with tributes
The third Ashes Test in Adelaide will go ahead as scheduled on Wednesday, though Vaughan anticipates a "sombre scene." Both teams will wear black armbands, and a moment of silence will precede the match.
Vaughan emphasized the importance of continuing the game: "You can't allow two people to say to all of us that everything has to stop. They want us to stop, do nothing, and not get on with our lives."
Cricket Australia and the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued statements of support. The ECB said: "Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and friends at this deeply distressing time. We stand alongside the people of Sydney and the Jewish community."
Players and officials react
England vice-captain Harry Brook called the attack "a horrendous day for everybody involved," while Australia spinner Nathan Lyon, a New South Wales native, said: "We're extremely saddened. It's a horrific day for everyone involved. Our thoughts and prayers are with them."
South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas announced additional security at Adelaide Oval as a precautionary measure, noting a "crescent sense of alertness" in the wake of the attack.
Australia's resilience in focus
Vaughan reiterated his belief in Australia's resilience, stating, "It's very important that cricket goes on and Australia will bounce back." The attack has shaken a nation often regarded as one of the world's safest, prompting reflections on security and community solidarity.
