Bondi Beach shooting investigated as ISIL-inspired terror attack

Australian police say the deadly shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, which left 15 people dead, was an act of terrorism inspired by the ISIL (ISIS) group, marking one of the country’s most severe attacks in decades.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said investigators believe the attack was carried out by a father and son who had aligned themselves with ISIL ideology.

“Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State, allegedly committed by a father and son,” Barrett said.

She stressed that the alleged actions reflected extremist ideology, “not a religion”.

Police identified the alleged attackers as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene, while his son was also shot and remains in critical condition in hospital.

According to investigators, the pair opened fire on hundreds of people gathered at the beachside festival, with the attack lasting about 10 minutes at one of Australia’s most popular tourist locations.

Authorities also confirmed they are examining a recent trip the suspects made to the Philippines, which has drawn particular scrutiny given the presence of ISIL-linked groups in parts of the country.

Wayne Hay, reporting from Bondi Beach, said police recovered “two Islamic State flags, homemade flags, in the gunmen’s vehicle along with an improvised explosive device”.

“They also spoke about this trip that the pair had taken to the Philippines,” Hay said. “They confirmed that they did go to the Philippines recently, but they are not clear yet as to the motive for that trip.”

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon told reporters that both the purpose of the visit and the locations visited in the Philippines remain under investigation. Philippine police have also confirmed they are cooperating with Australian authorities.

ISIL-linked armed groups continue to operate in parts of the southern Philippines, particularly on the island of Mindanao, though their influence has waned significantly since the group’s peak, including the 2017 siege of Marawi that left more than 1,000 people dead.

The Bondi Beach attack injured at least 25 others in addition to the 15 fatalities, making it Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly 30 years.