Australian authorities on Tuesday said the deadly mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach was a terrorist attack influenced by the Islamic State group, confirming long-suspected extremist motives behind one of the country’s worst acts of violence in decades.
Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said investigators believe the attack was ideologically driven. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese backed the assessment, citing evidence recovered from the suspects’ vehicle, including Islamic State flags and other materials.
Fifteen people were killed in the attack on Sunday, while 25 others remain hospitalized, 10 in critical condition. Three of the injured are children. Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 and were attending a Jewish religious event when gunfire erupted.
Police said the suspects were a father and son, aged 50 and 24. The older suspect was shot dead by police, while the younger man was taken into custody and is receiving hospital treatment. Authorities also confirmed the discovery of improvised explosive devices in a vehicle linked to the suspects.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said investigators are examining the pair’s recent trip to the Philippines as part of the ongoing probe. He confirmed the presence of homemade ISIS flags in the seized vehicle.
The attack has intensified calls for tighter gun laws, despite Australia already having strict regulations. Albanese and several state leaders pledged further reforms after it emerged that the older suspect legally acquired multiple firearms.
The prime minister also visited Ahmed al Ahmed, a Syrian-born shop owner hailed as a hero after he tackled and disarmed one attacker during the chaos. Albanese praised his bravery, saying the nation would not be divided by terror.
Lifeguards at Bondi Beach were widely commended for risking their lives to rescue people and provide first aid amid the shooting.
In response to the tragedy, thousands of Australians gathered at memorials, while blood donation centers reported record sign-ups, reflecting a nationwide outpouring of grief and solidarity.