Australia is in shock after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration left 15 people dead. Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed the attack was “inspired by Islamic State.” The tragedy has raised urgent questions about gun laws and public safety.
Father and Son Suspects Identified
Authorities said the suspects are a father and son, aged 50 and 24. The older man, named by state officials as Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police. His son is recovering in the hospital.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack was ideologically motivated, citing evidence including “Islamic State flags in a vehicle seized from the suspects.” Indian authorities confirmed Sajid Akram was originally from
Hyderabad and held an Indian passport. He moved to Australia in 1998, married a European woman, and had little contact with his family in India. Telangana State Police Chief B. Shivadhar Reddy said the family had no knowledge of his radical beliefs.
Victims and Heroes of the Attack
Fifteen people were killed, aged between 10 and 87, while celebrating Hanukkah. Another 25 were hospitalised, including 10 in critical condition. Three children remain in care.
One hero, Ahmed al Ahmed, tackled one of the gunmen, disarmed him, and forced the weapon to the ground. Albanese visited Al Ahmed in the hospital, calling him “a true Australian hero” and praising his bravery in the face of danger.
Bondi lifeguards were also hailed for their courage. Rory Davey rescued people who ran into the sea, and Jackson Doolan raced to the scene with a first aid kit, risking his own life.
Investigation and Travel Links
New South Wales Police revealed the suspects had travelled to the Philippines last month. Their motives and locations are under investigation. Authorities found improvised explosive devices and two homemade Islamic State flags in a vehicle registered to the younger suspect.
The Philippines Bureau of Immigration confirmed that Sajid Akram and his son visited the country from November 1 to 28, with Davao as their final destination. While groups like Abu Sayyaf once supported the Islamic State, officials say there is no recent evidence of foreign militants in the region.
Calls for Tighter Gun Laws
Prime Minister Albanese and state leaders promised stricter gun controls, which would be the most significant reforms since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Authorities noted the older suspect had legally acquired six weapons before the attack. Barrett said the suspects “appeared to have no regard for the age or ability of their victims,” describing the attack as a deliberate attempt to maximise casualties.
Public Response and Mourning
Thousands of Australians have visited Bondi Beach to lay flowers and pay tribute. Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon joined the local Jewish community to mourn the victims. Former Prime Minister John Howard, who oversaw Australia’s 1996 gun law overhaul, also visited the site.
The tragedy prompted record numbers to donate blood. Lifeblood, the national donation service, reported nearly 50,000 appointments on Monday alone, more than double the previous record. Almost 1,300 of these were first-time donors, and some centres had waiting times of up to four hours.
The Bondi Beach shooting has left a nation grappling with grief, while authorities continue to investigate the motives and international connections of the attackers.