The Australian Federal Police say the father‑son duo behind the Bondi Beach massacre were inspired by the Islamic State and had travelled to the Philippines earlier this month before carrying out the anti‑Jewish attack that left 15 people dead and one assailant dead on Sunday.
Investigation reveals terror links
Commissioner Krissy Barrett told a press conference that “the first indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State, presumably committed by a father and his son.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the motive, describing the shooting at a Hanukkah celebration as “motivated by the ideology of the Islamic State.”
Police recovered rudimentary ISIS flags and explosive devices from the suspect’s vehicle, which was registered to the younger attacker, 24‑year‑old Naveem Akram, now hospitalised with serious gunshot wounds. His father, 50‑year‑old Sajid Akram, died from police fire, raising the total death toll to 16.
Trip to the Philippines
Immigration officials in Manila confirmed that Sajid and Naveem arrived on 1 November from Sydney and travelled to Dávao, described as the “gateway to southern Philippines.” They left the Philippines on 28 November, returning to Sydney via Manila. The father used an Indian passport, while the son travelled on an Australian passport.
Australian public broadcaster ABC cited security sources saying the pair sought “military training” in the Philippines. While Commissioner Barrett said the purpose of the trip remains “under investigation,” authorities note that ISIS‑linked networks continue to operate in Mindanao, though they are currently weakened.
Arming the attackers
Security forces disclosed that the older suspect held licences for six firearms, a factor that has prompted the government to pledge tougher gun‑control measures, despite Australia already having some of the world’s strictest gun laws.
Twenty‑five victims remain in Sydney hospitals, eight in critical condition, including two police officers who were shot during the attack, according to New South Wales Premier Chris Minns.
Heroic civilian response
Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43‑year‑old Syrian‑born fruit vendor, was hailed as a hero after he disarmed one of the gunmen, sustaining at least four gunshot wounds. He underwent surgery on Monday and is scheduled for a second operation on Wednesday, a procedure the prime minister’s office confirmed.
National mourning and diplomatic responses
Bondi Beach reopened on Tuesday but remained nearly empty. A modest memorial of flowers and plush toys now stands near the pavilion where the shooting took place, drawing visitors who expressed shock at the violence on their “backyard.”
Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon visited the site, urging Australian authorities to take all necessary steps to protect the Jewish community, which makes up about 0.55 % of the national population.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government accused Prime Minister Albanese of creating conditions that facilitated the attack by recognizing a Palestinian state in September and allowing protests against the Gaza conflict.
Australia’s history of rare mass shootings underscores the significance of this event, which may prompt further legislative and security reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the alleged perpetrators of the Bondi Beach attack?
The suspected attackers were a father and son, Sajid Akram (50) and Naveem Akram (24). Sajid died from police fire, while Naveem remains in serious condition in hospital.
What motive did authorities attribute to the shooting?
Police and the prime minister said the attack was inspired by the ideology of the Islamic State, targeting a Jewish gathering celebrating Hanukkah.
What actions is the Australian government taking in response?
Australia has pledged to tighten its already strict firearms legislation and is investigating the suspects’ travel to the Philippines, where they may have received military training from ISIS‑linked groups.
How do you think this tragedy will shape Australia’s approach to domestic security and gun control?