Suspects in Bondi Beach Shooting Found with Explosives, ISIS Flags After Philippines Travel, Police Say

Australian authorities revealed Tuesday that the father and son who carried out a deadly Hanukkah attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach had prepared for a potentially larger assault, discovering improvised explosive devices and homemade ISIS flags in their vehicle.

During a press conference at New South Wales Police headquarters, investigators formally classified Sunday’s massacre as an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack. The gunmen, aged 24 and 50, killed 15 people and injured more than two dozen others during what officials described as a deliberate targeting of Jewish Australians.

“This was a barbaric attack against Jewish Australians,” said Australia’s Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett. “They were hunted down in broad daylight.”

The discovery of explosives and ISIS paraphernalia has significantly altered investigators’ understanding of the attack’s scope. Forensic teams are continuing ballistic and chemical examinations to determine if the devices were functional and whether the attackers intended to strike additional targets.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon revealed the suspects had traveled to the Philippines last month, raising additional concerns about potential international connections. The southern Philippines has historically been home to ISIS-linked networks, including Abu Sayyaf, though Philippine officials say there have been no recent indications of foreign militants operating in the region.

While authorities currently believe the two men acted alone, they cautioned that their assessment could change as they analyze digital devices, travel records, and thousands of seized documents. The investigation has uncovered evidence that suggests the attackers may have been planning a more extensive assault than what transpired.

The human toll from Sunday’s violence continues to mount, with more than two dozen victims still hospitalized. Ten remain in critical condition, including three children. The age range of those injured spans from 10 to 87 years old, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the attack.

Among the wounded is Ahmed al Ahmed, a 42-year-old Syrian-born fruit shop owner who has emerged as a national hero after video captured him tackling and disarming one assailant. Despite suffering shotgun wounds to his left shoulder and upper body, al Ahmed’s actions potentially saved numerous lives. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who met with al Ahmed, praised him as “a true Australian hero.”

“We are a brave country. Ahmed al Ahmed represents the best of our country,” Albanese said. “We will not allow this country to be divided. That is what the terrorists seek. We will unite. We will embrace each other, and we’ll get through this.”

The older gunman was killed during the attack, while his son was being treated at a hospital on Tuesday. Their identities have not been publicly disclosed as the investigation continues.

In response to the tragedy, Albanese and state leaders have pledged to strengthen Australia’s already strict gun laws, potentially implementing the most comprehensive reforms since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre that killed 35 people. The proposed changes come after revelations that the older suspect had legally acquired his six weapons.

The attack has raised serious questions about whether Australian authorities did enough to protect the Jewish community amid rising antisemitism. Community leaders have expressed concerns about security measures at religious events, particularly as tensions have increased following conflicts in the Middle East.

“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 said. “It appears the alleged killers were interested only in a quest for a death tally.”

As Australia grapples with its deadliest mass shooting in decades, officials have emphasized national unity in the face of terrorism designed to sow division and fear. The investigation continues as the country mourns those lost and supports the survivors of this targeted attack.