Payam Javan: President Donald Trump and the First Lady on December 14 offered condolences to victims and families affected by a series of violent attacks in the United States, Australia, and Syria, as they welcomed guests to the White House for Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations. Speaking at the event, Trump paid tribute to those killed in a shooting at Brown University, where two people died and nine others were injured, describing the moment as a solemn reminder amid the holiday season.

Trump also addressed what he described as a “purely anti-Semitic” attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration hosted by the Bet Yosef Synagogue. At least 15 people were killed and dozens injured in the shooting, which targeted an area with a significant Jewish community. One suspect was killed by police and another taken into custody, while Trump praised a civilian who intervened to disarm one of the attackers, calling his actions heroic.

Turning to the Middle East, the president extended his sympathies to the families of Americans killed in an ISIS ambush in central Syria. The Pentagon confirmed that two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed, with three others injured during a mission supporting counter-ISIS operations. Trump said interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa was devastated by the attack and vowed retaliation, as Syrian authorities announced the arrest of five suspects.

First Lady Melania Trump also expressed her condolences, saying her thoughts and prayers were with families worldwide who lost loved ones during what should be a season of celebration. Meanwhile, U.S. authorities confirmed that a person of interest had been detained in connection with the Brown University shooting, as investigations into all three attacks continued.