Bondi Beach Attack: Father and Son Inspired by ISIS, Traveled to Philippines, Police Say

Post by : Saif

Australia is in shock after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, one of the country’s most famous tourist destinations. Police have revealed that the two alleged attackers were inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS) and had recently traveled to the Philippines. The attack, which targeted a Hanukkah celebration, killed 15 people and injured dozens more, making it Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in almost 30 years.

The suspects, a father and son, have been identified by police as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram. Sajid was shot dead by police during the attack, while Naveed remains in critical condition in hospital. Authorities said the younger suspect’s vehicle contained improvised explosives and two homemade ISIS flags, suggesting a clear terror motive.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett emphasized that the attack was the work of individuals aligned with a terrorist organization, not a religion. The two men reportedly fired on hundreds of people during a roughly 10-minute attack, causing panic and forcing attendees to take shelter. About 25 survivors are receiving medical care across Sydney hospitals.

The victims of this horrific act include a rabbi, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl named Matilda Britvan. Families of the victims have spoken of heartbreak and disbelief at the tragedy.

At Bondi, a growing memorial of flowers has been set up near the Pavilion, close to where the shooting took place. Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon visited the site, calling for greater protection for the Jewish community in Australia. “Only Australians of Jewish faith are forced to worship their gods behind closed doors, CCTV, guards,” he said.

Amid the tragedy, acts of heroism have also emerged. Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old Muslim father of two, charged at one of the gunmen and seized his rifle. He was wounded in the process and remains in hospital. His bravery has been recognized worldwide, including by U.S. President Donald Trump. A GoFundMe campaign to support him has raised over A$1.9 million ($1.26 million).

The attack has reignited debate over Australia’s gun laws. Sajid Akram legally owned six weapons, having received a gun licence in 2023. Federal Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the laws introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre needed review. Former Prime Minister John Howard, who led that reform, warned that focusing solely on gun laws should not distract from the fight against antisemitism.

The shooting has drawn attention to a rise in antisemitic incidents in Australia over the past 16 months. Intelligence authorities have highlighted antisemitism as a top threat to public safety.

As Australia mourns, authorities continue to investigate the attackers’ travels to the Philippines and any links to ISIS networks operating there. The Philippines has confirmed it is looking into the matter. While ISIS influence in the country has decreased in recent years, small cells remain active in southern Mindanao.

The Bondi tragedy is a sobering reminder of the threat of terrorism and the need for vigilance. Communities and leaders across Australia are calling for stronger protection of vulnerable groups, improved gun control, and ongoing efforts to combat extremism in all forms.

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