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Australian authorities are investigating a deadly mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration near Sydney’s Bondi Beach as a suspected act of terrorism inspired by Islamic State, marking the country’s worst mass shooting in almost three decades. The attack, which occurred on Sunday at one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, left 16 people dead, including one of the alleged gunmen, and wounded dozens more.
Police say the suspects were a father and son, identified 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 remains in critical condition in hospital. Investigators revealed that both men had travelled to the Philippines last month, with the purpose of the trip now under investigation by Australian and Philippine authorities. Officials noted that Islamic State-linked networks continue to operate in parts of the southern Philippines, despite being significantly weakened in recent years.
According to police, the attackers opened fire on hundreds of people during a roughly 10-minute rampage, causing panic as crowds fled or sought shelter. A vehicle registered to the younger suspect allegedly contained improvised explosive devices and homemade flags associated with ISIS. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said early evidence suggests the attack was inspired by Islamic State ideology, stressing that the actions should not be associated with any religion.
The attack has deeply shaken Australia’s Jewish community and renewed concerns over rising antisemitism nationwide. Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon visited the site on Tuesday, urging stronger measures to protect Jewish Australians, while intelligence officials reiterated that antisemitism remains a top threat priority.
Attention has also turned to Australia’s gun laws after police confirmed Sajid Akram was a licensed gun owner with six registered firearms, having received his licence in 2023. The federal government is now reviewing existing gun regulations, with debate intensifying over whether current laws are sufficient to prevent such tragedies.
Among the victims were a rabbi, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl, underscoring the profound human toll of the attack. As investigations continue, memorials of flowers have grown at Bondi Beach, reflecting a nation in mourning and searching for answers.
