Australian authorities said the two alleged gunmen behind the deadly attack at a Hanukkah event on Sydney’s Bondi Beach had travelled to the Philippines weeks before the assault and appeared to be inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS). The shooting, which killed 15 people, is being treated as the country’s worst mass shooting in nearly three decades and a terror attack targeting the Jewish community.
Police said 16 people are now confirmed dead, including one of the attackers, identified as Sajid Akram, 50. His 24-year-old son, identified by local media as Naveed Akram, was critically injured after being shot by police.
Police Investigate Trip to the Philippines
Authorities confirmed the pair travelled to Manila and then Davao on November 1 and left on November 28—just days before the attack. Philippine immigration officials said Sajid used an Indian passport, while his son travelled on an Australian passport. It remains unclear whether they met extremist groups or received training during the visit.
Although ISIS-linked networks still operate in parts of southern Philippines, they have been significantly weakened in recent years.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said early evidence indicates the Bondi shooting was “inspired by Islamic State,” stressing this was the work of extremists, not a religion.
Police also reported finding improvised explosive devices and homemade ISIS-style flags inside the younger suspect’s vehicle.
A Short but Devastating Attack
The father and son allegedly opened fire on hundreds of people attending the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration, forcing crowds to flee and hide before police intervened. Videos circulating online show the younger suspect preaching outside Sydney train stations in the past, though investigators are still examining his path to radicalization.
Community Grieves, Survivors Heal
Twenty-five survivors remain hospitalized across Sydney. A memorial of flowers continues to grow near the Bondi Pavilion, where Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon urged the Australian government to strengthen protection for Jewish communities.
“This is a tragedy at the heart of our nation,” he said.
Thousands of Australians lined up at blood donation centers following the attack, responding to urgent appeals for help.
One of the most celebrated heroes of the night, Ahmed al Ahmed, a Muslim father of two, remains hospitalized after confronting and disarming one of the gunmen. A GoFundMe page for him has raised over A$1.9 million.
Gun Laws Under Review
The government is now re-evaluating Australia’s gun laws after police revealed Sajid Akram legally owned six firearms and obtained his gun licence in 2023.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said current regulations may need strengthening, while former Prime Minister John Howard—architect of Australia’s strict 1996 gun reforms—warned against letting the debate overshadow the rise in antisemitism.
The victims include a rabbi and father of five, a Holocaust survivor, and 10-year-old Matilda Britvan, whose family said they are “forever heartbroken.”