In a shocking attack at Bondi Beach during Hanukkah, father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram opened fire on crowds, killing 15 people and injuring dozens. Authorities said the assault was meant to instill fear among Australia’s Jewish community.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that preliminary investigations indicate the attack was motivated by Islamic State ideology. “With the rise of ISIS over the past decade, the world continues to confront this violent ideology,” he said.
Police discovered a car registered to Naveed Akram near the beach, along with improvised explosives and two homemade flags linked to the Islamic State ideology, according to New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon. The authorities are investigating whether the attackers met Islamist extremists during a recent trip to the Philippines.
Sajid, 50, was killed by police during the assault, while his 24-year-old son Naveed remains in a coma under guard. Both had carried long-barrelled guns, shooting at beachgoers and a nearby park for roughly ten minutes. Among the victims were a 10-year-old girl and two Holocaust survivors.
The attack has reignited debate over gun laws in Australia. Leaders agreed to review and tighten regulations that previously allowed Sajid to legally own six firearms. Many Australians argue that stricter rules could prevent such tragedies in the future.
Officials also face criticism over security measures and rising antisemitism. The Israeli ambassador and Jewish community leaders warned that authorities failed to adequately protect the Jewish community despite prior warnings of extremist threats.
In response, thousands of Australians donated blood to help the wounded, setting a new national record. A growing memorial near Bondi Beach has drawn hundreds of mourners, including Jewish community members, lighting a menorah and paying tribute to the victims.
The investigation continues as authorities assess the extent to which the attackers were influenced by Islamic State ideology, while ensuring public safety and preventing further attacks.
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