Sydney, Australia – Hundreds gathered at Bondi Beach today to mourn the victims of Sunday’s deadly attack, offering support to those injured in what is being described as Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years. The attack targeted a local Hanukkah celebration, leaving the community in shock and grief.
The death toll has risen to 16, including one of the two gunmen, a 50-year-old man who was shot dead by police on Sunday. Police reported on Monday that the man’s son, the second gunman, aged 24, is in critical condition in hospital.
The father and son opened fire on hundreds of people celebrating Hanukkah on Bondi Beach, forcing terrified attendees to flee and seek cover. Authorities have praised the bravery of Ahmad al-Ahmad, a Muslim citizen of Syrian descent, whose intervention in disarming one of the attackers is credited with preventing further casualties.
While police have not officially released the suspects’ names, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and other media outlets have identified them as Sajid Akram, who was killed in the attack, and his son, Naveed.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has suggested the attack appeared to be “motivated by ISIS ideology.” He has vowed a thorough investigation into the events leading up to the tragedy.
The Australian government is currently reviewing its gun laws, already considered among the strictest in the world, following the revelation that Sajid Akram had six registered firearms. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated today that the gun laws introduced by the previous Liberal-National coalition government in 1996, following the Port Arthur massacre, require re-evaluation.
Police have confirmed that the vehicle used by the attackers contained two ISIS flags and explosive devices. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon told reporters that the car, found near the Sydney beach, was registered to the son and contained “two locally made ISIS flags” in addition to the explosives. The investigation is ongoing.
