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Australian police confirm the shocking motive of the alleged Bondi Beach shooters
The recent shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach is being treated as a terrorist attack, as Australian police confirm the motive.
On December 14, 2025, two men opened fire during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people and injuring around 25 others, some critically. Authorities are now investigating the suspects’ connections to ISIL, after evidence emerged that the attackers were inspired by the terrorist group.
The suspects, a father and son duo, were identified as Sajid Akram, aged 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram. Sajid was killed by police during the attack, while Naveed remains in critical condition in the hospital. The alleged gunmen targeted hundreds of festival-goers during the 10-minute assault at one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations.
Investigation reveals ISIL links
Per Al Jazeera, Australian police have confirmed that two homemade ISIL flags were found in the attackers’ vehicle, along with an improvised explosive device. At a press conference, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated, “Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State, allegedly committed by a father and son.”
She emphasized that the act was tied to a terrorist group and not to any religion. Authorities are also examining a recent trip to the Philippines that the suspects took last month. While the motive for the trip remains unclear, it is part of an ongoing investigation.
Philippine police have joined the inquiry, particularly given the presence of ISIL-linked groups in the southern parts of the country.
The Bondi Beach attack's aftermath
The Bondi Beach shooting, the deadliest mass shooting in Australia in nearly 30 years, has prompted intense reactions from around the world. In the wake of the attack, mourners gathered at the Bondi Pavilion to pay their respects to the victims.
The shooting has also raised serious questions about security and gun control in Australia, a nation with strict firearm laws.
As authorities continue to piece together the details surrounding the attack, the tragic event has left a deep mark on the Australian community, and the global fight against terrorism remains ever-present.