Australian police say two alleged gunmen who attacked a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach had travelled to the Philippines before carrying out the assault. The shooting, described as Australia’s worst mass attack in nearly 30 years, is being investigated as an act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community.
Read More: ‘Hero’ who disarmed Bondi gunman recovers in hospital as donations pour in
The death toll has risen to 16, including one of the alleged attackers, Sajid Akram, 50, who was shot dead by police at the scene. His 24-year-old son and alleged accomplice, Naveed Akram, remains in critical condition after also being shot by officers.
🚨 JUST IN Australia’s prime minister is pushing EVEN MORE gun control after the Bondi Beach Islamic terror attack. Australia already has some of the strictest gun laws on earth and it didn’t stop this. The problem wasn’t guns. The problem was Islamist extremism and the refusal… pic.twitter.com/AI4WT1Akzd
— ⁿᵉʷˢ Barron Trump 🇺🇸 (@BarronTNews_) December 15, 2025
Ahmed, you are an Australian hero.
You put yourself at risk to save others, running towards danger on Bondi Beach and disarming a terrorist.
In the worst of times, we see the best of Australians. And that’s exactly what we saw on Sunday night.
On behalf of every Australian, I… pic.twitter.com/mAoObU3TZD
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 16, 2025
Authorities said both men had travelled to the Philippines last month, and the purpose of the trip is now under investigation by police in both countries. Officials noted that Islamic State-linked networks have historically operated in parts of the southern Philippines.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said early indications suggest the attack was inspired by Islamic State ideology. She stressed that the alleged actions reflected alignment with a terrorist organisation and not a religious belief.
Police revealed that a vehicle linked to the younger suspect contained improvised explosive devices and homemade ISIS-associated flags. Investigators said the attackers fired on hundreds of people during a roughly 10-minute rampage before being stopped by police.
Around 25 injured survivors are receiving treatment at Sydney hospitals, while two police officers remain in critical but stable condition. A temporary memorial of flowers has grown near Bondi Beach Pavilion, close to where the shooting took place.
Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon urged Australian authorities to strengthen security for Jewish communities, citing rising anti-Semitic incidents nationwide. Intelligence officials have also warned that anti-Semitism remains a top threat to public safety.
Read More: Bondi attack facts finally come out
The attack has renewed debate over Australia’s gun laws after police confirmed Sajid Akram was a licensed gun owner. The federal government says existing firearm regulations and broader measures to counter extremism will now be reviewed.