Gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney. The attack happened on December 14, 2025. It killed 15 people and injured 25 others. Authorities identified the victims. Their ages ranged from 10 to 87 years old. Additionally 10 injured people remained in critical condition, including three children.
Authorities Reveal ISIS Inspiration
Police classified the incident as a terrorist attack. They found Islamic State flags in the suspects’ vehicle. This evidence pointed to ISIS ideology as the motivation. The suspects included a father and son.
Sajid Akram, aged 50, died in a police shootout. His son, Naveed Akram, aged 24, received hospital treatment for injuries.Furthermore investigators discovered improvised explosive devices in the vehicle. The suspects had legally acquired six weapons.
Prime Minister’s Strong Condemnation
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation. He confirmed the attack drew inspiration from ISIS. Albanese pledged to tighten gun laws in response.
He visited a hero from the scene. Ahmed al Ahmed, a Syrian-born shop owner, tackled one assailant. Albanese called him a true Australian hero. Meanwhile the prime minister emphasized national unity. He urged Australians to reject divisions that terrorists seek. Suspects’ Travel and International Links
The gunmen traveled to the Philippines before the attack. They stayed from November 1 to 28 in Davao. Authorities investigated their activities there.
Reports indicated they used an Indian passport for travel. Three Indian students suffered injuries in the shooting. However no direct ties to Philippine militant groups emerged yet. Police continued to probe possible connections.
Community Mourns and Calls for Change
Thousands gathered at a memorial site. They left flowers to honor the victims. Blood donations surged across Australia.Lifeguards rushed to help during the chaos. Their quick actions saved lives. Furthermore, leaders called for better protection of Jewish communities.
