Australian PM: Sydney Attack Driven by "ISIS Ideology"

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated on Tuesday that the attack on a crowd celebrating the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach in Sydney was "motivated by ISIS ideology."

1. Details of the Attack and Perpetrators

• The Assailants: Australian police identified the gunmen as a father and his son. The 50-year-old father was killed at the scene, bringing the death toll to 16, while the 24-year-old son remains in critical condition.

• Terrorist Act: Authorities described the attack as an "anti-Semitic terrorist act." Police found two ISIS flags and bombs inside the vehicle used by the attackers.

• The Motive: Albanese noted that the duo appeared to be radicalized by an "ideology of hatred" that has persisted for over a decade, leading to a readiness to engage in mass murder.

2. The Philippine Connection and Investigation

• The Trip: Investigations revealed that Sajid Akram (50, Indian national) and Navid Akram (24, Australian national) spent nearly the entire month of November 2025 in the Philippines.

• ISIS Networks: Authorities are investigating their movements in the southern Philippines, where ISIS-linked networks have historically operated. Navid had been on the radar of Australian intelligence since 2019 due to links with radicalized individuals but was not considered an imminent threat at the time.

3. The Heroism of Ahmed Al-Ahmad

• The Syrian Hero: PM Albanese visited Ahmed Al-Ahmad in the hospital, hailing him as a "hero." Al-Ahmad is a Syrian fruit vendor from Idlib who moved to Australia 10 years ago.

• The Intervention: Video footage showed Al-Ahmad moving between parked cars during the shooting to reach the attackers, successfully wrestling a firearm from one of them. Albanese stated, "His courage is an inspiration to all Australians."

4. Societal Impact and Gun Control

• Tightening Laws: Following the discovery that the father legally owned six firearms, Australian leaders agreed on Monday to tighten gun control laws, addressing concerns about online sales and private ownership.

• Blood Donation Record: In a show of solidarity, over 7,000 Australians donated blood in a single day, breaking the national record to help the wounded.