Australian Authorities Reveal New Details on Bondi Beach Mass Shooting Suspects
Australian authorities have unveiled new information regarding the alleged perpetrators of the mass shooting that occurred on Sunday at Bondi Beach in Sydney, resulting in 16 fatalities. According to the police, the two suspects, a 50-year-old man and his 24-year-old son, had traveled to the Philippines last month, a trip whose motivations are still being investigated.
The Australian police indicated that initial investigations suggest the suspects may have been influenced by the ideology of the terrorist organization Daesh (also known as ISIS). This lead was reinforced by the discovery of explosive devices and two handmade Daesh flags inside a vehicle registered in the son's name, found near the attack site.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that the car contained explosive materials and symbols linked to the terrorist organization. The public broadcaster ABC, citing a security source, reported that the two suspects had visited the Philippines in November, where they allegedly received military training in a terrorist camp.
Attack Details
The attack, which took place on Sunday during the celebration of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, claimed the lives of 16 people. One of the attackers, the 50-year-old man, was shot by police, while his son was arrested and hospitalized in critical condition.
Suspects' Identities
Although the authorities have not officially disclosed the identities of the suspects, several Australian media outlets have identified them as Sajed Akram and his son Navid.
Government Response
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the attack appears to be motivated by an extremist ideology linked to Daesh, noting that Navid Akram had been on the radar of intelligence services since 2019, although he was not considered an imminent threat at the time.
Prime Minister Albanese also praised the bravery of Ahmed Al-Ahmad, an Australian citizen of Syrian origin, who intervened to neutralize one of the attackers and disarm him, thereby helping to limit the number of casualties.
Community Reaction
On Tuesday morning, dozens of people gathered on Bondi Beach to pay tribute to the victims and express solidarity with the injured, in what constitutes the worst mass shooting in Australia in nearly 30 years.
Government Measures
Following these events, the Australian government announced a review of the country's gun laws, after it was revealed that Sajed Akram legally owned six registered firearms. Interior Minister Tony Burke emphasized the need to reexamine the legislative framework in place since 1996.
Ongoing Investigation
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon assured that the investigations are ongoing in coordination with the relevant services and the community, promising regular updates on the progress of the case.
