The family of a 10-year-old girl killed by gunmen during a mass shooting attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach have paid tribute to their beloved daughter.
At least 15 people were killed and dozens injured on Sunday night, when the two gunmen opened fire at members of Sydney's Jewish community celebrating the start of Hannukah at the iconic Bondi Beach in Sydney.
The attack also fuelled criticism that Australian authorities were not doing enough to combat a surge in antisemitic crimes, and prompted leaders to promise an overhaul of already-tough gun control laws after the targeted attack.
Speaking through tears, her family gathered at a menorah lighting ceremony at Bondi Pavilion last night where hundreds of people gathered for a public vigil to farewell the victims of the horrific incident.
Matilda's mother questioned what could have driven the gunmen to murder her daughter.
"I can't imagine what monster stands on that bridge, and seeing a little girl running for her father, to hide with him, and he just pulled his trigger on her," Valentyna said.
"It wasn't just a bullet from a stray, it wasn't an accident. It was a bullet that was fired on her," she said through sobs.
Matilda's brother said he was comforted by her memory.
"The one thing that brings me comfort is that whenever I would ask Matilda if she knew that I loved her, she would immediately say 'yes'," he said.
"She knew she was loved. She wasn't alone."
1News’ Jacob Johnson has the latest as Australia grapples with the atrocity which targeted the Jewish community. (Source: Breakfast)
The family came to Australia from Ukraine before Russia's invasion. She was named Matilda as she was the first of the family to be born in their new homeland.
"And I thought that Matilda was the most Australian name that could ever exist," her father Michael said.
“So just remember – remember her name.”
Matilda's aunt Lina previously told ABC Australia that she was "just a happy kid".
"Matilda was very friendly, she loves school, has a lot of friends," she said earlier this week.
"She's just a happy kid, always gives me cuddles."
Matilda was killed in front of her six-year-old sister, who was in "absolute shock and stress" as she struggled to come to terms with the horrific tragedy.
"They were like twins, they've never been separated," Lina said.
Meanwhile, the surviving 24-year-old Bondi Beach gunman awoke from his coma in hospital on Tuesday evening, and was speaking to police as part of their investigations.
Charges were likely to be laid today.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including family of the youngest Bondi attack victim speak, and new allegations about attempts to take over a prominent Auckland school. (Source: 1News)
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