France Opens Terrorism Probe into Sydney Attack

France has opened a terrorism investigation into the deadly attack that targeted a Jewish celebration on a beach in Sydney, as Australian authorities continue their own inquiry, French prosecutors announced on Monday.

The assault, which took place during Hanukkah celebrations, left 15 people dead and 42 others injured. Among the victims was 27-year-old French national Dan Elkayam, a computer engineer. Another French citizen was also wounded in the attack.

France’s National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation is focusing on charges related to killings linked to a terrorist act and attempted killings connected to a terrorist plot. The case has been assigned to the General Directorate for Internal Security and the anti-terrorism unit of the national criminal police.

Prosecutors said the primary objective of the French investigation is to ensure that victims and their families living in France have access to information about the progress of both the French and Australian judicial inquiries. 

The probe is also intended to provide support, assistance, and technical expertise to Australian judicial authorities, as well as to facilitate access to victim support and compensation mechanisms.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed on Sunday evening that Elkayam was among those killed, condemning the attack as a shocking surge of antisemitic hatred that must be confronted.

Jonathan Arfi, head of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France, said he had spoken with the victim’s parents on Sunday evening and expressed solidarity and condolences on behalf of France’s Jewish community.

Australian authorities said the victims were shot by two attackers, a father and son, who opened fire on around 1,000 people gathered on Bondi Beach to celebrate Hanukkah. Investigations into the motive and circumstances of the attack remain ongoing.