‘If you want to help, give blood’: Australians urged in wake of Bondi Beach terror attack

After two gunmen opened fire at an event at Bondi Beach on Sunday night, killing at least 15 and leaving several others injured, Australians were urged to donate blood in response to the mass shooting. NSW Premier Chris Minns said at a press conference on Monday that those who are looking for a way to help should consider donating blood.

"Many people are asking how they can help. The first thing of course is to listen to New South Wales Police and emergency services," he said. He added that those who also wish to lay flowers are being encouraged to place them at a memorial site at the rear of Bondi Pavilion.

"If you are looking for something practical to do, you could give blood," Minns said. Officials labelled the attack an act of terror, and in response to it, one of the two gunmen has been confirmed dead.

"We saw extraordinary scenes from New South Wales public hospitals last night. Emergency departments, at the drop of a hat, were in the process of saving scores of lives. They did an incredible job, but they need your help. They need blood. And if you're thinking about doing an act of public service in the coming 24 hours, I'd urge you to contact the Red Cross and do that piece of public mindedness, that piece of public spiritedness," he added.

Chris Minns also hailed the role of paramedics who transported the injured to New South Wales hospitals. He also lauded public hospitals' doctors and nurses as well as civilians who stood up and risked their lives to save others.

The Red Cross transferred blood from several states to Sydney

"I want to say thank you to our amazing police force, who acted bravely and diligently in incredibly difficult circumstances. Thank you to the paramedics who, in some cases, under fire, transported the injured to New South Wales hospitals, to the doctors and nurses in our public hospitals, and lastly, thank you to innocent bystanders and civilians who stood up, risked their own lives to save other people's lives. This is a terrible, wanton act of destructive violence. But there are still amazing people that we have in Australia, and they showed their true colours last night," he further said.

The branch of the Red Cross responsible for collecting blood across the country, Lifeblood Australia, stated in a statement that it had transferred blood from several states to Sydney and is urgently in need of type O negative blood donors. "Our thoughts are with the injured, their families and those who have lost loved ones because of this tragedy," it added in the statement.