Australian authorities have confirmed that the mass shooting that killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach was a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State group. Australia’s federal police commissioner, Krissy Barrett, said Tuesday that investigators had determined the attack was ideologically motivated, citing evidence recovered during the investigation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the conclusion was based on multiple findings, including Islamic State flags discovered inside a vehicle seized at the scene.
Police have identified the suspects as a father and son, aged 50 and 24. The older suspect, Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police, while his son remains hospitalized. Authorities have not publicly named the younger suspect. At least 25 people remain hospitalized following Sunday’s attack, with 10 in critical condition. Three of the injured are being treated at a children’s hospital. Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 and were attending a Hanukkah event when gunfire erupted at Australia’s most famous beach. One of those injured, Ahmed al Ahmed, was widely praised after video showed him tackling and disarming one of the attackers.
Al Ahmed, a 42-year-old fruit shop owner, sustained shotgun wounds to his shoulder and upper body and is undergoing further surgery. Albanese visited him in hospital, calling him “a true Australian hero” and praising his bravery. Federal and state leaders used Tuesday’s news conference to call for tougher gun laws, marking what could become the most significant reforms since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Albanese said new restrictions were necessary after it emerged the older suspect had legally acquired six firearms. “The suspected killers appeared interested only in maximizing a death toll,” Barrett said, adding that the attackers showed no regard for the age or vulnerability of their victims. Investigators are also examining the suspects’ recent travel to the Philippines.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed the pair traveled there in November and said authorities are probing the purpose of the trip. A vehicle linked to the younger suspect was found to contain improvised explosive devices and two homemade ISIS flags. The Philippine Bureau of Immigration confirmed Sajid Akram and his son traveled to Davao between Nov. 1 and Nov. 28. While extremist groups in the southern Philippines previously expressed support for Islamic State, officials there say such networks have been significantly weakened in recent years. The attack has intensified scrutiny over rising antisemitism in Australia and whether Jewish communities were adequately protected. Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon visited the memorial site at Bondi Beach, expressing grief and solidarity with the Jewish community. Lifeguards at Bondi Beach were also praised for their actions during the chaos.
Several rushed toward the gunfire to assist victims, while others carried out ocean rescues as people fled into the sea. Their actions drew widespread admiration across the country. In the days following the attack, Australians have gathered in large numbers at Bondi Beach to mourn and lay flowers. The tragedy also prompted a surge in blood donations, with national blood service Lifeblood reporting record numbers of bookings and first-time donors. Former Prime Minister John Howard, who oversaw Australia’s landmark gun law reforms in 1996, was among those who visited the memorial, as the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of one of its deadliest mass shootings in decades.
