Australian authorities say homemade Islamic State flags were discovered inside the vehicle of one of the suspects involved in a deadly mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, an attack that killed at least 15 people and injured dozens more.
Police have formally declared the incident a terrorist attack, saying it was deliberately aimed at members of the Jewish community gathered to mark the start of Hanukkah at one of Australia’s most popular seaside locations.
What Authorities Say Happened
The shooting unfolded Sunday evening at Bondi Beach, where families, children and religious leaders had assembled for a public celebration. Police said two gunmen — identified as a father and son — opened fire from an elevated position, causing widespread panic.
The older suspect, a 50-year-old man, was shot dead by police at the scene. His son, 24, suffered critical injuries during the confrontation and remains hospitalized under police guard.
Officials confirmed that at least 15 people were killed, including a Holocaust survivor, a 10-year-old child, and two rabbis. More than two dozen others were injured, with several still in critical condition.
Islamic State Links Under Investigation
At a news conference, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said investigators recovered two homemade Islamic State flags from the younger suspect’s car. Federal and state authorities believe the attack was inspired by extremist ideology associated with the militant group.
“This was a barbaric and targeted act of antisemitic violence,” Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said. “Early indicators point to terrorism inspired by Islamic State ideology.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed that assessment, stating that the gunmen were motivated by “an ideology of hate” and appeared to have planned the attack carefully. Officials said there is no evidence at this stage that the suspects had accomplices.
National Mourning and Political Response
Australia entered a period of mourning following the attack. Flags were lowered to half-staff across the country, and thousands gathered at vigils near the Bondi Pavilion, leaving flowers, candles and messages for the victims.
Albanese said the government would consider further tightening Australia’s already strict gun laws, including possible limits on firearm ownership and licensing. He also pledged stronger measures to combat antisemitism, which has surged nationwide over the past year.
“This attack has no place in Australia,” Albanese said. “The scourge of antisemitism must be eradicated.”
Acts of Courage Amid Tragedy
One bystander, Ahmed al-Ahmed, has been widely praised as a hero after video footage showed him tackling one of the gunmen and disarming him during the attack. Al-Ahmed was shot during the struggle and has undergone surgery. An online fundraiser for his recovery has raised more than $1 million.
World leaders and religious figures, including the pope and senior Christian leaders in Jerusalem, condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are examining the suspects’ background, including recent overseas travel, and reviewing whether any warning signs were missed. The younger suspect had previously been investigated by intelligence agencies several years ago, though officials said no imminent threat was identified at the time.
As Australia grapples with one of its deadliest attacks in recent memory, officials say the investigation remains active and further updates will be released as new information emerges.
