Australian federal police said the mass shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Sydney’s Bondi Beach that killed 15 people was "inspired by Islamic State," Commissioner Krissy Barrett said Tuesday. Authorities identified the attackers as a 50-year-old father, named Sajid Akram (shot dead), and his 24-year-old son, who is hospitalized. Officials cited evidence recovered from a seized vehicle, reportedly including IS flags. Twenty-five people remain hospitalized, 10 in critical condition, and the investigation is ongoing.
Bondi Beach Mass Shooting Declared Islamic State–Inspired; 15 Killed at Hanukkah Gathering
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australian federal police on Tuesday said the mass shooting that left 15 people dead during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach was "a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State," Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced.
Authorities identified the suspects as a father and son, aged 50 and 24. State officials named the elder man as Sajid Akram; he was shot dead by police at the scene. His 24-year-old son was hospitalized and remained under medical care, authorities said.
The joint news conference — attended by senior political and law-enforcement leaders — was the first time officials publicly explained their assessment of the attackers’ ideology. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the conclusion is based on evidence recovered during the investigation, including "the presence of Islamic State flags in the vehicle that has been seized."
"We are treating this as an IS-inspired terrorist act based on the evidence available to us," Commissioner Barrett said.
Police said 25 people are still being treated in hospitals following Sunday’s massacre, with 10 in critical condition. Emergency services and investigators remain on site and the wider inquiry is ongoing as authorities examine motive, any links to broader networks, and the full sequence of events.
What officials stress: the determination about ideological inspiration reflects current investigative findings and could evolve as more evidence is collected and analysed. Authorities urged anyone with information to come forward to assist the inquiry.
