Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that the fatal mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach was a "meticulous, calculated, cold-blooded" attack motivated by Islamic State ideology. The assault, which targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, left at least 15 people dead, including a ten-year-old girl.
Attackers Had Prior ISIS Links and Pledged Allegiance
One of the gunmen, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, had previously been investigated for six months in 2019 by ASIO, Australia's domestic intelligence agency, over suspected links to a Sydney-based ISIS cell. The investigation found no evidence he was planning violence at that time. According to reports, Akram and his father, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, had both pledged allegiance to the terror group. Two ISIS flags were reportedly discovered in their vehicle.
The attack occurred on Sunday, the first night of Hanukkah, at an event known as 'Chanukah by the Sea'. Sajid Akram was killed at the scene, while his son Naveed suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.
Heroic Intervention and Police Response Defended
Amid the horror, stories of bravery emerged. Ahmed al-Ahmed, a father-of-two and fruit shop owner, tackled one of the gunmen and wrestled his weapon away. Before intervening, he told his cousin to inform his family he "went down to save people's lives" as he believed he would die.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns strongly defended the police response, rejecting criticism as disrespectful. Two officers are in critical care after being shot confronting the attackers, who were armed with long-range rifles. "They weren't shot in the back as they were running away. They were shot in the front," Minns stated, praising their bravery which he said saved many lives.
Global Repercussions and UK Security Boost
The attack has sent shockwaves through Jewish communities worldwide. In the UK, the head of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, Gideon Falter, told a London vigil that Jewish people fear they could be attacked again. He called for action from politicians, not just words of solidarity.
In response, British Transport Police announced increased patrols across the network in the coming days and weeks. Assistant Chief Constable Sean O'Callaghan said patrols would be targeted at Hanukkah event locations and areas where Jewish communities live and work, citing the impact of the attack and the recent Manchester synagogue terror incident.
The tragedy has also reignited Australia's gun control debate, prompting an emergency national cabinet meeting. All states and territories have agreed to strengthen laws, potentially limiting gun ownership numbers and types, and restricting imports.
