Bondi attackers inspired by Islamic State, Australian police say

SYDNEY,— Australian police said Tuesday that two Muslim men of Pakistani origin, who carried out a deadly shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, had traveled to the Philippines weeks before the attack, as investigators continued to treat the incident as an act of terrorism inspired by Islamic State.

The assault, which took place Sunday at one of Sydney’s most popular beaches, left 15 people dead at the scene.

Authorities later confirmed a total of 16 fatalities, including one of the suspected attackers who was shot by police during the response. Officials described the shooting as the worst mass gun attack in Australia in nearly three decades.

Police identified the deceased suspect as Sajid Akram, 50. His 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, identified by local media as the second alleged gunman, was hospitalized in critical condition after being shot by officers.

Two police officers also suffered gunshot wounds and remained in critical but stable condition, New South Wales police said.

Investigators said both men had traveled to the Philippines last month. The purpose of the trip remains under investigation, Australian Federal Police said. Authorities in the Philippines confirmed they are also examining the matter, though no additional details were provided.

According to security analysts and police statements, Islamic State linked groups have previously operated in parts of the Philippines, particularly in the southern region of Mindanao.

Those networks were significantly weakened following clashes with government forces in recent years, including the 2017 siege of Marawi, but have not been fully eliminated.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said early findings suggested the shooting was an ideologically motivated act.

“Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State, allegedly committed by a father and son,” Barrett said at a press briefing in Sydney. She added that the actions were linked to extremist ideology and not to any religious belief.

Police said a vehicle registered to the younger suspect was searched and found to contain improvised explosive devices and two homemade flags linked to Islamic State, also known as ISIS.

The group is designated as a terrorist organization by Australia and many other countries.

Authorities said the attackers fired on a large crowd over about 10 minutes, targeting people attending the Hanukkah event near the Bondi Pavilion. Hundreds of people ran for cover as police rushed to the scene and eventually shot both suspects.

Health officials said approximately 25 injured survivors were being treated at several hospitals across Sydney.

On Tuesday, Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon visited Bondi Beach and laid flowers at a growing memorial near the site of the shooting.

Speaking to reporters, Maimon urged the Australian government to strengthen security measures for Jewish communities.

He said Jewish Australians often feel compelled to practice their faith behind extensive security measures, including surveillance cameras and guards.

Australia’s intelligence chief has previously warned that antisemitism represents a leading threat to public safety, following a rise in incidents over the past 16 months.

Bondi Beach reopened to the public on Tuesday, though few people were present under cloudy skies. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes continued to accumulate near the pavilion, located just meters from where the shooting occurred.

Bondi Beach, about 8.2 kilometers from central Sydney, is one of Australia’s most recognizable tourist destinations and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Local resident Olivia Robertson, 25, visited the memorial before going to work. She told reporters the attack had deeply shaken the community and challenged long held beliefs about safety in Australia.

Meanwhile, Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old man who confronted one of the attackers and managed to seize a rifle, remained hospitalized with gunshot wounds.

Officials credited his actions with preventing further casualties. He has received praise internationally, including public recognition from U.S. President Donald Trump.

A fundraising campaign established to support Ahmed and his family has raised more than A$1.9 million, according to the campaign’s organizers.

The shooting has renewed debate over Australia’s firearms regulations. Police confirmed that Sajid Akram was a licensed gun owner with six registered weapons. Authorities corrected earlier statements, saying his license was issued in 2023 rather than 2015.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the federal government is reviewing gun laws introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which were enacted under a previous Liberal National government.

Former Prime Minister John Howard, who introduced those reforms, warned against allowing the gun debate to distract from addressing antisemitism.

He criticized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, saying more should have been done to protect Jewish communities.

The victims of the attack ranged in age and background, including a rabbi who was a father of five, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl, Matilda Britvan, according to officials and media reports.

Matilda’s aunt, Lina Chernykh, spoke publicly about the family’s loss in an interview with Australian television, describing the shock felt by relatives as they struggled to process the news.

(With files from Reuters)