Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the deadly attack on a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach appears to have been motivated by Islamic State ideology.
Speaking after laying flowers at the scene, Albanese said the ideology behind the massacre reflects years of extremist hate that culminated in mass murder. Fifteen people were killed when a father and son opened fire on the Jewish gathering.
“It would appear this was motivated by Islamic State ideology,” Albanese said.
Authorities identified the attackers as Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram. Albanese confirmed that Naveed Akram had previously come to the attention of Australia’s intelligence services in 2019, though he was not considered an imminent threat at the time.
“He was drawn to their attention because of his association with others,” Albanese said, noting that two individuals Akram was connected to were later jailed on terrorism-related charges.
However, officials said Akram himself was not deemed a person of interest then.
The prime minister emphasized that Australia’s security agencies are reviewing the case to understand whether warning signs were missed and how extremist ideology continues to inspire violence.
The attack has shaken Australia’s Jewish community and prompted renewed calls for stronger counterterrorism measures and vigilance against radicalization.
