Investigation Reveals Bondi Beach Mass Shooting as Terrorist Act Linked to Islamic State
In a grim development, preliminary findings suggest that the mass shooting that unfolded on Sunday at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, was a terrorist attack inspired by the militant group Islamic State (IS).
Mal Lanyon, the police chief of New South Wales, shared these insights during a press conference on Tuesday evening, as reported by Australian media outlet ABC. He revealed that investigators discovered two Islamic State flags inside the vehicle of one of the suspected shooters, along with explosive devices that were later rendered safe.
“We are continuously examining the motives that underlie this tragic event,” Lanyon stated. The police are also delving into the reasons behind the two suspects’ trip to the Philippines last November. “It’s important to note that while we have a timeframe, the details surrounding their visit remain unclear and are active points of inquiry,” he explained.
As reported by AFP, the Philippine immigration authority has confirmed that the suspects entered the country on November 1 and departed on November 28. Notably, one of the suspects, Sajid Akram, traveled as an Indian citizen.
Previous media reports have suggested that 24-year-old Naveed Akram was under investigation six years ago by Australia’s National Security Service due to potential links to an Islamic State group based in Sydney. While Naveed remains hospitalized, he is reported to be in stable condition; in contrast, his father, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was killed by police during the confrontation.
During a press briefing on Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that Naveed had been subjected to a six-month investigation by authorities. At the same time, the Prime Minister and his government have faced scrutiny from various quarters, including criticism for perceived inaction against rising anti-Semitism, particularly from Israel and Jewish community representatives within Australia.
At the press conference, Albanese addressed the issue, stating, “The perversion of Islam is indeed a significant problem.” He highlighted that IS emerged from a fundamentally evil ideology, one that has drawn rebuke not just from the Australian government but globally as well.
The tragic attack claimed the lives of 15 individuals, including one suspect, taking place on Sunday morning local time during a celebration of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah.
— Ritzau
