Bondi Gunmen Inspired by Islamic State, Police Say, as Sydney Mourns Deadly Attack
GeokHub
Contributing Writer
Sydney | Dec 16 (GeokHub) Australian authorities say the two men behind the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach were inspired by Islamic State ideology and had travelled to the Philippines weeks before carrying out the attack.
The assault, which unfolded on Sunday evening at one of Australia’s most iconic [tourist locations](Death Toll Rises to 16 After Mass Shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach), left 15 people dead and has been described as the country’s worst mass shooting in nearly three decades. One of the alleged attackers was killed at the scene by police, bringing the total death toll to 16.
Police identified the deceased gunman as a 50-year-old father, while his 24-year-old son, believed to have acted alongside him, remains in critical condition in hospital. Authorities say the attack is being treated as an act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community.
Investigators revealed that both men travelled to the Philippines last month, visiting Manila before heading south to Davao, and returned to Australia less than two weeks before the shooting. Officials said the purpose of the trip is still under investigation and stressed that it has not been established whether the pair received any form of training abroad.
Security agencies said early evidence points to extremist radicalisation rather than religious motivation. Items recovered from the attackers’ vehicle included improvised explosive devices and homemade flags linked to Islamic State. Authorities also confirmed that videos circulating online showed the younger suspect preaching in public spaces in Sydney prior to the attack.
The shooting lasted about 10 minutes, during which the gunmen fired into a large crowd attending the Jewish holiday event, sending hundreds fleeing along the beach and into surrounding streets. Police officers on patrol confronted the attackers and opened fire, preventing further casualties.
Community Response and Mourning:
Sydney remained subdued on Tuesday as mourners gathered at a growing memorial near the Bondi Pavilion, laying flowers and lighting candles just metres from where the attack occurred. The beach was reopened but largely empty under grey skies.
Survivors and witnesses described scenes of panic and fear, with families separated and personal belongings abandoned in the rush to escape. At least 25 people remain in hospital, including two police officers in serious but stable condition.
One bystander, a 43-year-old father of two, has been widely praised for tackling and disarming one of the gunmen before being shot. He remains hospitalised, while a fundraising campaign set up in his name has drawn overwhelming public support.
Security and Gun Law Scrutiny:
The attack has reignited debate over Australia’s gun laws after police confirmed the father was a licensed firearm owner with multiple registered weapons. Federal officials said existing regulations would be reviewed, particularly around licence conditions and monitoring.
The incident comes amid heightened concern over antisemitic incidents across Australia in recent months. Intelligence officials have warned that threats against Jewish communities now represent one of the most serious domestic security risks facing the country.
