Australian police say Bondi Beach mass shooting was inspired by Islamic State group

Australian authorities have labeled the mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach, which resulted in 15 fatalities during a Hanukkah celebration, as a terrorist attack motivated by the Islamic State group. This announcement was made Tuesday by Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett.

The perpetrators were identified as a father and son, aged 50 and 24. The father was killed by police, while the son is currently receiving hospital treatment. The confirmation of the suspects' ideologies came during a Tuesday news conference featuring political and law enforcement officials. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the assessment was based on gathered evidence, including the presence of Islamic State flags found in the suspects' vehicle.

Currently, 25 individuals remain hospitalized due to injuries sustained in Sunday's attack, with 10 in critical condition. Among the injured are three children being treated at a children's hospital. Ahmed al Ahmed, a 42-year-old Syrian-born fruit shop owner, is also hospitalized after video footage showed him tackling and disarming one of the shooters. The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 years old and were attending a Hanukkah event at the iconic Australian beach when the shooting began.

Following the attack, Prime Minister Albanese and state leaders have promised to strengthen Australia's already stringent gun laws. These reforms would be the most significant since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, where 35 people were killed, which led to the country enacting strict gun control measures. Officials released more details about the attack in response to growing public concern regarding the suspects' ability to plan and execute the mass shooting, and whether the Jewish community had adequate protection against rising antisemitism.

Albanese also revealed plans for further restrictions on gun access, noting that the older suspect had legally acquired a cache of six weapons. Commissioner Barrett described the alleged killers as having "no regard for the age or ableness of their victims," and being solely focused on achieving a high death toll.

Investigators are also looking into a trip the suspects made to the Philippines last month, according to New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon. The purpose and specific locations visited during their trip are under investigation. Lanyon also verified that a vehicle registered to the younger suspect contained improvised explosive devices and two homemade ISIS flags.

While groups like Abu Sayyaf in the southern Philippines previously expressed support for the Islamic State group, decades of military action have significantly weakened these militant groups. Philippine authorities have stated there's been no recent indication of foreign militants in the country's south.

Prime Minister Albanese visited Ahmed al Ahmed in the hospital, calling him "a true Australian hero." Albanese noted that al Ahmed would require further surgery for shotgun wounds sustained during the attack. He emphasized the country's resilience and unity in the face of terrorism.

Stories of heroism emerged, including those of Bondi Beach lifeguards. One lifeguard, Rory Davey, performed an ocean rescue as people fled into the sea. Another, Jackson Doolan, was seen running from a nearby beach with a first aid kit towards the scene of the shooting.

In the wake of the tragedy, Israel’s Ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, visited Bondi Beach. He expressed his deep sorrow and solidarity with the Jewish community. Thousands of people have visited the site to pay their respects and create a memorial.

Former Prime Minister John Howard, who spearheaded the 1996 gun law reforms, also visited the memorial. A record number of Australians have signed up to donate blood, with nearly 50,000 appointments booked on Monday alone.