Bondi Beach Evidence Suggests Shooting Was 'Inspired' by ISIS, Australia PM Says

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that evidence indicates the mass shooting at Bondi Beach, which resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people, may have been inspired by ISIS. The alleged gunmen, reportedly a father and son, had traveled to the Philippines in the weeks leading up to the attack.

The investigation into the Sunday shooting is ongoing, focusing on the period leading up to the event. The suspected shooters, identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and 24-year-old Naveed Akram, opened fire on individuals participating in a Hanukkah event. Authorities have characterized the incident as an anti-semitic terrorist attack.

"It would appear that there is evidence that this was inspired by a terrorist organization, by ISIS," Albanese told reporters during a Tuesday press conference. He noted that evidence being gathered, including the presence of Islamic State flags in the seized vehicle, supports this assertion.

Albanese also addressed the broader issue of radical extremism, stating, "Radical perversion of Islam is absolutely a problem. It is something that has been identified globally as a problem as well."

Police have confirmed that one of the alleged shooters died during the incident, while the other was injured. Sajid Akram, the surviving suspect, has regained consciousness but has not yet been questioned, according to ABC News.

New South Wales Police Force Commissioner Mal Lanyon, who also spoke at the Tuesday press conference, confirmed that the vehicle, registered to the younger Akram, contained IEDs in addition to ISIS flags.

"We continue to work through the motive of this tragedy and will continue to do so," Lanyon stated.

Investigators are also examining the alleged shooters' trip to the Philippines in November. Lanyon said, "The reasons why they went to the Philippines and the purpose of that and where they went when they were there is under investigation at the moment."

According to a NSW Health spokesperson, 22 injured individuals remain hospitalized, with six in critical condition.

So far, authorities have identified 12 of the 15 victims who died. The deceased include a young soccer player originally from France, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns defended the police response time, pushing back against criticisms. Minns stated that the responding officers "acted with bravery and integrity. They didn't take a backward step."

He added, "They engaged the gunmen on the footbridge with handguns. The offenders had long-range rifles and New South Wales police officers were responsible for killing one of them and shooting the other one and as a result saving many, many people's lives."

Minns also noted that two officers are currently in critical care in New South Wales hospitals, emphasizing that "They weren't shot in the back as they were running away, they were shot in the front."

"If there's any suggestion that New South Wales Police didn't live up to their responsibilities to the people of this state, it should be rejected because it's not consistent with the facts," Minns concluded.