Australian Authorities Say Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Alone, No Evidence of Broader ISIS Cell
Federal police conclude the attackers in the Sydney Hanukkah shooting had no proven links to an organised militant network despite ideological influence
Australia’s federal police have determined that the two men accused of carrying out a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney acted alone and were not part of a broader militant organisation, officials said on Tuesday.
The attack, which occurred on December 14 and claimed the lives of fifteen people, was initially described by authorities as inspired by Islamic State ideology after homemade flags linked to the group were found in the suspects’ vehicle and their motives were under investigation.
However, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that investigators have found no evidence that the alleged perpetrators, identified as father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram, received formal training or were directed by an organised terrorist cell during their recent trip to the Philippines or otherwise.
The Akram pair, who opened fire at a crowded public event on Bondi Beach that drew families and community members for the first night of Hanukkah, left behind dozens of injured and mourning communities across Sydney.
Sajid Akram was killed by police at the scene, while his son survived and has been formally charged with numerous offences including murder, attempted murder, terrorism and explosives-related counts as he recovers under guard in hospital.
Commissioner Barrett emphasised that while elements found at the scene suggested ideological inspiration, the evidence does not support the involvement of a wider militant network or training in the Philippines during their month-long stay.
The investigation is ongoing in close cooperation with Philippine authorities, with Australian police examining travel records, surveillance footage and other intelligence to reconstruct the suspects’ activities before the attack.
The announcement of the lone-actor finding comes as Sydney prepares for heightened security during New Year’s Eve celebrations, with thousands of officers deployed to maintain public safety.
State leaders have also accelerated hate speech and extremist-related legislative reforms in response to the shooting, aiming to strengthen legal tools against the spread of violent ideologies and protect vulnerable communities.
The attack, which occurred on December 14 and claimed the lives of fifteen people, was initially described by authorities as inspired by Islamic State ideology after homemade flags linked to the group were found in the suspects’ vehicle and their motives were under investigation.
However, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that investigators have found no evidence that the alleged perpetrators, identified as father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram, received formal training or were directed by an organised terrorist cell during their recent trip to the Philippines or otherwise.
The Akram pair, who opened fire at a crowded public event on Bondi Beach that drew families and community members for the first night of Hanukkah, left behind dozens of injured and mourning communities across Sydney.
Sajid Akram was killed by police at the scene, while his son survived and has been formally charged with numerous offences including murder, attempted murder, terrorism and explosives-related counts as he recovers under guard in hospital.
Commissioner Barrett emphasised that while elements found at the scene suggested ideological inspiration, the evidence does not support the involvement of a wider militant network or training in the Philippines during their month-long stay.
The investigation is ongoing in close cooperation with Philippine authorities, with Australian police examining travel records, surveillance footage and other intelligence to reconstruct the suspects’ activities before the attack.
The announcement of the lone-actor finding comes as Sydney prepares for heightened security during New Year’s Eve celebrations, with thousands of officers deployed to maintain public safety.
State leaders have also accelerated hate speech and extremist-related legislative reforms in response to the shooting, aiming to strengthen legal tools against the spread of violent ideologies and protect vulnerable communities.
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