Laura Chung

@nytimes reporter covering Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands | former @AFP, climate reporter @smh and @abcnews | views are my own

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

On the sporting fields of New Zealand cities like Auckland and Wellington in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the slightly-too-cool kids were jokingly described with one word: “skux.” https://t.co/xjII7Is9S3

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

Nearly five million social media accounts belonging to Australian teenagers have been deactivated or removed, a month after a landmark law barring those younger than 16 from using the services took effect, the government said on Thursday. https://t.co/NFdjcKfegd

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

Thrilled to announce I’m joining @nytimes, reporting on Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. I can’t wait to get started!

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

The funeral of Rabbi Eli Schlanger has concluded. His coffin is carried out by dozens of mourners and loaded into the back of a black hearse. Grieving community members place their hands on the back of the car as it slowly moves down the street.

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley are among those who have arrived. Also in attendance is NSW Premier Chris Minns and other senior members of the state government.

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

Rabbi Eli Schlanger’s coffin has arrived for his funeral at Chabad of Bondi. Those accepting his coffin cry as they wheel it inside. A police guard of honour stands to attention as the coffin passes

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

Shooting hero Ahmed al Ahmed was getting a coffee with friends when the Bondi attack occurred. He wrestled a gun from one of the assailant's hands.
"He decided to take action and his bravery is an inspiration for all Australians," Australia's PM said.

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

UPDATE: There are currently twenty-five patients receiving care in several Sydney hospitals for their injuries.

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

Australia's prime minister proposed "tougher gun laws" on Monday a day after gunmen killed 15 people in a mass shooting targeting a Jewish festival at a Sydney beach. @AFP

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

Authorities have collected shoes, toys, towels and swimming pieces that people left behind on Bondi beach

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

People are also placing flowers at the Bondi Pavillon, writing notes or taking a moment @AFP

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

“The team ran out under fire to try and clear the children from the playground whilst the gunman were firing. They were able to get the children inside. The other lifesavers went out and started trying to do CPR on the shot victims and tried to drag as many inside as they could.”

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

Chief Executive Officer Surf Life Saving NSW Steven Pearce said members had clocked off for the day and were having their Christmas party when the shooting happened. They raced to save lives while under fire @AFP

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

Chief Executive Officer Surf Life Saving NSW Steven Pearce said members had clocked off for the day and were having their Christmas party when the shooting happened. They raced to save lives while under fire @AFP

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

Flowers are being placed near Bondi beach this morning @AFP

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

Bondi Beach would usually be a hive of activity, but this morning the mood is somber as people reflect on last night

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

UPDATE: Police say 16 people dead and 40 people injured after Bondi shooting yesterday evening.

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

Australian police said Sunday that a deadly shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach was a "terrorist" incident @AFP

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

UPDATE: 12 people have been killed following the Bondi incident.
29 people, including two police officers, taken to hospital

[Laura Chung @Laura_R_Chung]

Sydney teacher Bianca, 26, said she heard dozens of gunshots ring out across Bondi beach.
“People were dragging their kids away, there were something like 40 shots. It sounded like fireworks. They looked shocked, traumatised, confused.”

[NSW Police Force @nswpolice]

UPDATE: A police operation is ongoing after a public place shooting by two men at Bondi Beach earlier today.

Ten people have been confirmed dead, including a man believed to be one of the shooters. The second alleged shooter is in a critical condition.

At this time, a further 11 people are reported to be injured, two of which are police officers.

MORE INFORMATION: https://t.co/mLqAyqT1ky