Australian Police Classify Bondi Beach Mass Shooting as ISIS-Inspired Terrorist Attack

Australian Police Classify Bondi Beach Attack as ISIS-Inspired Terrorism Melbourne, Australia – The mass casualty event at Sydney's Bondi Beach, which resulted in 15 fatalities during a Hanukkah celebration, has been officially classified as a "terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State," according to Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett. This announcement was made on Tuesday.### Suspects and Investigation DetailsAuthorities have identified the suspects as a 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son. Sajid Akram was fatally shot during the incident, while his son is currently receiving hospital treatment. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicated that this classification is based on evidence, including the discovery of Islamic State flags within a vehicle seized by law enforcement.The Police Commissioner for New South Wales state, Mal Lanyon, confirmed that the seized vehicle, registered to the younger suspect, contained improvised explosive devices and two homemade ISIS flags. Investigators will also examine the suspects' trip to the Philippines last month, from November 1 to November 28, where they listed Davao as their destination. The Philippines Bureau of Immigration has corroborated these travel details. Historically, some Muslim separatist groups in the southern Philippines have expressed support for Islamic State; however, Philippine military and police officials state that recent indications of foreign militant presence in the region are absent.### Casualties and Public ResponseTwenty-five individuals remain hospitalized following Sunday's attack, with ten in critical condition. This includes three patients at a children's hospital. The deceased ranged in age from 10 to 87 years old.Public scrutiny regarding the planning and execution of the attack, alongside concerns for the protection of Australia's Jewish communities amidst rising antisemitism, intensified in the days following the event.### Calls for Legislative ReformsPrime Minister Albanese and state leaders have committed to strengthening Australia's existing gun laws. These proposed reforms would be the most extensive since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, an event after which mass shootings in Australia became rare. The older suspect had legally acquired six weapons, which has contributed to discussions surrounding gun control.Commissioner Barrett stated that the suspected attackers "appeared to have no regard for the age or ableness of their victims," and allegedly "were interested only in a quest for a death tally."### Civilian and Emergency Services RecognitionPrime Minister Albanese visited Ahmed al Ahmed, a 42-year-old Syrian-born fruit shop owner, who is recovering in hospital from shotgun wounds sustained to his left shoulder and upper body. Al Ahmed was captured on video tackling and disarming an assailant during the attack. Albanese described al Ahmed as "a true Australian hero," emphasizing national unity in the face of the incident.Lifeguards at Bondi Beach also received recognition for their actions during the attack. Rory Davey, a duty lifeguard, performed an ocean rescue, while Jackson Doolan, another lifeguard, reportedly sprinted towards Bondi from a neighboring beach to assist with first aid. Anthony Caroll, featured on the "Bondi Rescue" reality show, noted that lifeguards entered the active scene of the incident.### Community Mourning and SupportIsrael's Ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, visited the memorial site at Bondi on Tuesday and met with Jewish leaders, expressing profound sorrow. Thousands of people have visited the impromptu memorial since the tragedy to lay flowers and pay respects. Former Prime Minister John Howard, who oversaw the 1996 gun law reforms, also visited the site.In the aftermath, a record number of Australians have registered to donate blood. Lifeblood, the national donation organization, reported nearly 50,000 appointments booked on Monday alone, more than double the previous record. Almost 1,300 individuals signed up as first-time donors. Across the country, 7,810 donations of blood, plasma, and platelets were made on Monday, with reports of queues up to four hours at some Sydney donation centers.