Recent findings from the police probe into the Bondi terror incident indicate that the perpetrators were potentially influenced by the Islamic State (IS) group, as stated by Australia’s federal police commissioner.
A tragic event unfolded when Sajid and Naveed Akram, a father and son duo armed with “long guns,” carried out an attack during a Jewish festival at Archer Park in Bondi. The violent act resulted in the loss of fifteen innocent lives amidst a crowd of over 1,000 attendees on Sunday evening.
Reports from New South Wales Health reveal that twenty-five individuals remain hospitalized, with six in critical condition following the Sunday incident. While Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police at the scene, his 24-year-old son Naveed sustained injuries but is expected to recover and face legal charges.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, officials provided updates on the ongoing critical incident and counter-terrorism inquiries related to the attack. The evidence so far hints at a terrorist act potentially linked to the Islamic State, according to federal police commissioner Krissy Barrett, who described the actions as those of individuals aligned with a terrorist organization.
NSW state police commissioner Mal Lanyon disclosed that a vehicle belonging to the younger Akram contained intermittent explosive devices (IEDs) and two homemade IS flags. Lanyon also mentioned an ongoing investigation into a recent trip the duo took to the Philippines last month to determine the purpose and activities during their visit.
Moreover, it was clarified that Sajid Akram’s gun license was issued in 2023, correcting an earlier statement indicating 2015. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the radical ideology of IS during the conference, emphasizing the global rejection of such extremist beliefs.
Albanese expressed gratitude towards Ahmed al Ahmed, a heroic figure who bravely confronted and disarmed a gunman during the attack. The prime minister praised Ahmed’s actions as emblematic of the nation’s resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
The assault has been officially classified as a terrorist incident targeting a festive gathering in Sydney coinciding with the start of Hanukkah, an important Jewish holiday spanning eight days in December. Authorities confirmed that the victims’ ages ranged from 10 to 87 years old.
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