New details have emerged in Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades, with police confirming that the two alleged attackers behind the Bondi Beach assault had traveled to the Philippines shortly before the attack.
Authorities say early evidence points to an Islamic State-inspired terrorist act targeting a Jewish religious gathering.
The attack occurred on Sunday during a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. The shooting left 15 people dead at the scene, triggering nationwide shock and grief.
Police later confirmed the death toll rose to 16, including one of the alleged gunmen who was shot dead by officers.
Suspects identified as father, son
Australian police identified the deceased suspect as Sajid Akram, 50, who was shot by police during the attack. His 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, identified by local media, is alleged to be the accomplice and remains in critical condition in hospital after also being shot.
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Authorities said the two allegedly fired on hundreds of people during a roughly 10-minute killing spree, forcing festival-goers to flee or take shelter before police intervened.
Philippines travel under investigation
Australian police revealed on Tuesday that both suspects traveled to the Philippines last month, with the purpose of the trip now under investigation. Philippine police confirmed they are also examining the visit.
According to the Philippines immigration bureau, the two entered the country on November 1 and departed on 28th. Sajid Akram traveled on an Indian passport, while his son Naveed used an Australian passport.
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Immigration officials said the pair declared Davao city as their final destination and booked a return flight to Sydney. Davao is located on the southern island of Mindanao, where militants have historically operated in impoverished areas.
Philippine authorities said they could not immediately confirm reports that the two received military-style training during their stay.
Islamic State influence
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said early findings indicate the attack was inspired by Islamic State ideology.
“These are the alleged actions of those who have aligned themselves with a terrorist organisation, not a religion,” Barrett said, emphasizing that the investigation is focused on extremist ideology rather than faith.
Police said a vehicle registered to the younger suspect contained improvised explosive devices and two homemade flags associated with ISIS, also known as Islamic State. The group is designated as a terrorist organisation by Australia and many other countries.
Islamic State-linked networks are known to operate in parts of the Philippines, though they have been reduced to weakened cells since the 2017 Marawi siege, when militants seized the city in a months-long conflict.
Survivors, injured receiving treatment
Officials confirmed that around 25 survivors are receiving treatment in multiple Sydney hospitals. Two police officers wounded in the attack remain in critical but stable condition, according to New South Wales police.
The victims ranged widely in age and background, including a rabbi who was a father of five, a Holocaust survivor, and 10-year-old Matilda Britvan. Matilda’s aunt, Lina Chernykh, spoke publicly of the family’s devastation.
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“I am beyond belief that this happened… I keep hoping it’s not real,” she told Australian media.
On Tuesday, Bondi Beach reopened but remained largely empty under overcast skies. A growing memorial of flowers was established at the Bondi Pavilion, just metres from where the shooting occurred.
Bondi Beach, located 8.2 kilometres from Sydney’s city centre, attracts hundreds of thousands of international tourists every year.
Israeli ambassador urges stronger protection
Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon visited the memorial and called on the Australian government to take stronger steps to protect Jewish communities.
“Only Australians of Jewish faith are forced to worship behind closed doors, CCTV, guards,” he said, adding that his heart was “torn apart” by the attack.
The attack comes amid a string of antisemitic incidents in Australia over the past 16 months. The head of the country’s main intelligence agency has previously stated that antisemitism is his top priority in terms of threat to life.
Muslim hero hailed worldwide
Amid the tragedy, Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old Muslim father of two, has been widely praised for charging at one of the gunmen and seizing his rifle. He remains hospitalized with gunshot wounds.
Ahmed has been hailed as a hero globally, including by US President Donald Trump, and a GoFundMe campaign in his name has raised more than A$1.9 million.
Australia’s gun laws are now under review after police confirmed Sajid Akram was a licensed gun owner with six registered weapons. Police clarified that he received his gun licence in 2023, correcting earlier reports.
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Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said firearm laws introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre should be re-examined.
Former prime minister John Howard, who introduced the 1996 gun restrictions, cautioned against letting gun law reform distract from addressing antisemitism. He accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of failing the Jewish community.
“He should have done more to fight antisemitism,” Howard said.
