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Australian authorities confirmed Tuesday that the mass shooting at Bondi Beach which killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration was “a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State,” marking a rare instance of terrorism on Australian soil.
Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett identified the suspects as father and son, with 50-year-old Sajid Akram shot dead at the scene while his 24-year-old son remains hospitalized. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cited evidence including “the presence of Islamic State flags in the vehicle” seized by authorities.
“The suspected murderers, callous in how they allegedly coordinated their attack, appeared to have no regard for the age or ableness of their victims,” Barrett told reporters. “It appears the alleged killers were interested only in a quest for a death tally.”
Indian police confirmed that the elder Akram originally hailed from Hyderabad and held an Indian passport before migrating to Australia in 1998. According to Telangana State Police Chief B. Shivadhar Reddy, “The family members have expressed no knowledge of his radical mindset or activities, nor of the circumstances that led to his radicalization.”
The attack has left 25 people hospitalized, including 10 in critical condition and three children. The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87, all gathered for what should have been a peaceful Hanukkah celebration at Australia’s iconic beach.
Investigators revealed that the suspects traveled to the Philippines last month, though their motives for the trip remain unclear. The southern Philippines has historically harbored militant groups with ties to Islamic State, though Philippine authorities report no recent indication of foreign militants in the region.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that the vehicle registered to the younger suspect contained improvised explosive devices and “two homemade ISIS flags.” The Philippines Bureau of Immigration verified that both men visited the country between November 1-28, listing the city of Davao as their destination.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Australia faces its most significant gun control debate since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre that killed 35 people. Albanese pledged to tighten the country’s already strict gun laws after learning that the elder suspect had legally acquired his cache of six weapons.
The attack comes amid growing concerns about rising antisemitism globally and has raised questions about security for Australia’s Jewish community. Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon visited the scene Tuesday, saying: “My heart is torn apart because the Jewish community, the Australians of Jewish faith, the Jewish community is also my community.”
One story of heroism emerging from the tragedy involves Ahmed al Ahmed, a 42-year-old Syrian-born fruit shop owner who was captured on video tackling and disarming one of the assailants. Despite suffering shotgun wounds to his left shoulder and upper body, al Ahmed disarmed the attacker and set the weapon aside.
“It was a great honor to meet Ahmed al Ahmed. He is a true Australian hero,” Albanese told reporters after visiting him in hospital. “We are a brave country. Ahmed al Ahmed represents the best of our country. We will not allow this country to be divided.”
Bondi’s iconic lifeguards have also received praise for their actions during the attack. One lifeguard performed ocean rescues as terrified people fled fully clothed into the sea, while others sprinted toward the danger with first aid kits.
“These guys are community members and it’s not about the surf,” said Anthony Caroll, a star of the reality show “Bondi Rescue.” “They heard the gunshots and they left the beach and came right up the back here into the scene of the crime, into harm’s way while those bullets were being shot.”
The attack has united Australians in mourning, with thousands visiting an impromptu memorial site at Bondi Beach to lay flowers. Former Prime Minister John Howard, architect of Australia’s 1996 gun law reforms, was among the visitors paying respects.
In a remarkable display of solidarity, a record number of Australians signed up to donate blood following the tragedy. Nearly 50,000 appointments were booked on Monday alone—more than double the previous record—with almost 1,300 first-time donors registering, according to national donation organization Lifeblood. Some donation centers reported wait times of up to four hours as Australians sought tangible ways to help.
The Bondi Beach attack, one of the worst mass shootings in modern Australian history, continues to shake a nation long spared from such violence following its comprehensive gun control measures implemented nearly three decades ago.
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10 Comments
As a mining professional, I’m shocked and saddened by this news. It’s a stark reminder that the impacts of extremism can be felt across all industries and communities. My condolences go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time.
You’re right, this kind of violence can have far-reaching consequences. The mining sector, like many others, needs to remain proactive in security measures and fostering an inclusive, tolerant workplace culture to help prevent such attacks.
As an Australian citizen, I’m deeply saddened by this tragedy. The fact that it occurred during a Hanukkah celebration makes it all the more heartbreaking. We must stand united against all forms of extremism and intolerance, and ensure that such senseless acts of violence never happen again.
Well said. Diversity and inclusivity are core values in Australia, and we must defend them fiercely in the face of such hateful attacks. The community’s resilience and compassion will be crucial in the healing process.
This is a chilling reminder that terrorism can strike anywhere, even in a place as seemingly safe and idyllic as Bondi Beach. I hope the authorities can quickly determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and motivations to help prevent future attacks.
Absolutely. Uncovering the roots of radicalization is crucial to disrupting these kinds of plots. We must remain vigilant and work together as a society to address the underlying issues that can lead to such tragedies.
The details of this attack are truly horrifying. I can’t imagine the fear and pain experienced by the victims and their loved ones. This is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked radicalization and the need for robust counterterrorism efforts.
Agreed. Attacks like this have a profound impact on the entire community. It’s crucial that the authorities conduct a thorough investigation and work to strengthen security measures to protect innocent lives.
This is a terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. It’s disturbing to see such a senseless act of violence inspired by extremist ideology. I hope the authorities can get to the bottom of what happened and prevent similar attacks in the future.
Yes, this is a shocking incident that highlights the ongoing threat of terrorism and radicalization. We must remain vigilant and work to address the root causes of such extremism.