The Bondi Beach terror attack gunmen appeared to be inspired by the Islamic State, according to Australian police.
Sunday’s attack, which targeted a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, was Australia’s worst mass shooting in almost 30 years. At the time of writing, the death toll stands at 16 including one of the gunmen, identified as Sajid Akram, who was shot by police. Sajid’s accomplice, his son Naveed, remains in hospital after also being shot.
On Tuesday, Australian police announced that both men had traveled to the Philippines last month, with Philippines immigration officials revealing that they travelled to Manila and Davao. The purpose of their trip is still under investigation. Islamic State-linked networks are known to operate in the Philippines.
“Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State, allegedly committed by a father and son,” Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said at a news conference.
“These are the alleged actions of those who have aligned themselves with a terrorist organisation, not a religion.”
Police also announced a vehicle registered to Naveed contained improvised explosive devices and two homemade flags associated with ISIS.
In other news related to the Bondi Beach terror attack, the bystander who tackled and disarmed one of the two gunmen has spoken publicly for the first time.
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Speaking from his hospital bed, Ahmed al Ahmed said he “appreciated the efforts of everyone.”
“May Allah reward you and grant well-being,” he said in Arabic. “Through Allah, I went through a very difficult phase, only Allah knows it. I ask my mother, the apple of my eye, to pray for me. Pray for me, my mother. God willing, it will be a minor injury.
“Pray for me that Allah eases our situation, and deliver us from this hardship.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns called Ahmed a “real life hero” in a statement on Monday evening.
“Last night, his incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk,” Minns said.
“It was an honour to spend time with him just now and to pass on the thanks of people across NSW. There is no doubt that more lives would have been lost if not for Ahmed’s selfless courage.”
