'She hates...': Trump brings up Ilhan Omar while condemning 'radical Islamic terrorism’ after Australia's Bondi beach attack

US President Donald Trump came down heavily on antisemitism on Tuesday (Dec 16), while extending "love and prayers" to Australians after Sydney's Bondi Beach terror attack. He was speaking while opening the Hanukkah celebrations at the White House. He also accused Congress of being antisemitic and slammed Minnesota Rep Ilhan Omar and United States Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Trump also claimed that Ilhan Omar 'hates Jewish people.’ The Bondi beach attack killed 16 people, including the gunman, and injured 40 others.

Speaking from the East Room, Trump said, "Let me take a moment to send the love and prayers to our entire nation, to the people of Australia, and especially all those affected by the horrific and antisemitic terrorist attack. We're joined in mourning all of those who were killed, and we're praying for the swift recovery of the wounded, some are very horrifically wounded. As you probably know, all nations must stand together against the evil forces of radical Islamic terrorism, and we're doing that,” the president added.

He also said, “You have a Congress in particular, which is becoming antisemitic. You have AOC plus three. You have those people, Ilhan Omar, she hates Jewish people. And obviously it's getting progressively worse, less so in the Senate, but the Senate starting also, you get glimmers." Trump ended his speech saying, “The story of Hanukkah reminds us that light will always prevail over darkness and faith and triumph over fear.”

Also Read: Bondi Beach terror attack: India police extends full support to Australian authorities

The Australian Police arrested Naveed from the scene of the attack and Sajid Akram was killed during the shooting. They also found at least two Islamic State flags were found in their car. Australian authorities stated that both Sajid and Naveed had travelled to Philippines before the attack. It has also came to light that Sajid Akram is originally from Hyderabad, India, and migrated to Australia in November 1998. In a statement, India's Telangana police said that Akram’s family in Hyderabad had no knowledge of his “radical mindset" and he visited India only six times in the 27 years since he moved to Australia. Indian police have reassured that they are fully cooperating with Australian authorities and other relevant agencies on the matter.

Meanwhile, Australian hero Ahmed al Ahmed, hailed for confronting the Bondi Beach gunmen singlehandedly, issued his first statement, hailing God. His father, Mohamed Fateh al Ahmed, told state broadcaster ABC News in an interview, that his son is a hero. In a video that went viral after the attack, Ahmed was seen sprinting through the parked vehicles and grabbing the attacker from behind. He was successful in chasing one of the gunman away, while sustaining bullet injuries.