Australian visitors at San Francisco International Airport react to news of mass shooting
Two flights landed at San Francisco International Airport from Australia early Monday morning, a day after a mass shooting left at least 15 dead and more than 40 injured . The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87. Two gunmen opened fire at the popular Bondi Beach. The attack targeted a Jewish event celebrating the first night of Hanukkah.
The Whight family arrived on the flight from Sydney to visit San Francisco.
"We were a bit worried coming to America, with all the shootings and everything that you hear over here, but then it happens at home," said Suzanne Whight. "It's pretty, pretty devastating."
MORE: Bay Area Hanukkah celebrations begin as community mourns those lost in Australia shooting
Australia has some of the toughest gun laws in the world and now, the prime minister is proposing even tighter controls. But Derryn Whight isn't sure that's the answer.
"We have pretty good gun control as it is," Derryn Whight said. "You know, it takes a fair bit to get a license these days, and then when you do, you're pretty restricted what you can get. So I think the end of the day criminals are going to get a gun. They're going to get a gun no matter what."
Hanukkah events took place throughout the Bay Area Sunday, with some of the largest at San Jose's Santana Row and San Francisco's Union Square.
There was a clear message that light will prevail over darkness.
