Early investigations by the police into the recent Bondi terror attack suggest that the perpetrators were influenced by the Islamic State (IS) group, as stated by Australia’s federal police commissioner.
The attack, carried out by father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram, resulted in the tragic deaths of fifteen innocent individuals at a Jewish festival in the Archer Park area of Bondi Beach. Armed with “long guns,” the attackers opened fire on a crowd of over 1,000 people at 6:47 pm local time on Sunday.
According to New South Wales Health, 25 individuals remain hospitalized, with six in critical condition as of Tuesday afternoon. While Sajid Akram was fatally shot by the police at the scene, his son Naveed, aged 24, is expected to survive and will face criminal charges.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, authorities provided updates on the ongoing critical incident and counter-terror inquiries related to the attack. Federal police commissioner Krissy Barrett indicated that early signs point towards a terrorist act inspired by the Islamic State, describing the actions as those of individuals associated with a terrorist organization.
NSW state police commissioner Mal Lanyon disclosed that a vehicle belonging to the younger Akram was found to contain intermittent explosive devices (IEDs) and two homemade IS flags. Lanyon also mentioned an ongoing investigation into a recent trip taken by both men to the Philippines, aiming to determine the purpose and specifics of their visit.
Further revelations included the clarification that Sajid Akram’s gun license was issued in 2023, contrary to the initial report of 2015 from the police. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the Islamic State as a “radical distortion of Islam,” highlighting the global denouncement of this extremist ideology.
Albanese emphasized unity in the face of terrorism and praised the bravery of Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old hero who intervened during the attack and disarmed a gunman. The incident has been officially declared a terrorist act targeting a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, a festival observed by the Jewish community in December. The victims of the attack ranged in age from 10 to 87.
To stay informed with valuable news content, consider selecting Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News.
Please be aware that Reach and its affiliates use cookies and other data identifiers to enhance user experience, analyze usage patterns, and deliver personalized ads. You can manage your data sharing preferences by clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the page. By using our website and services, you consent to the use of cookies and acknowledge our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.