The Islamic State on Thursday described the deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, which claimed 15 lives, as a source of pride, according to a report by Reuters. The remarks appeared in an article shared on the group’s Telegram channel that referred to the attack during a Hanukkah celebration, though the organisation stopped short of formally claiming responsibility.
Australian authorities believe the Bondi Beach attack was carried out by a father and son, and investigators said the act appeared to be influenced by Islamic State ideology. During the incident, the father, Sajid Akram, 50, was killed in a gunfight with police, while his 24 year old son Naveed was critically injured and later hospitalised under police guard.
After regaining consciousness from a coma, Naveed was charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism related charges. A court has since adjourned his case until April 2026, as police continue probing possible Islamic State linked networks operating within Australia.
Officials also revealed that Sajid Akram originally hailed from Hyderabad and held an Indian passport, though he migrated to Australia in 1998. Police said he had minimal contact with relatives in India over the past 27 years and did not return even after his father’s death.
In response to the attack, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a tougher approach toward hate speech and extremism. He said the government is considering new laws to make it easier to prosecute those promoting hatred or violence, tighten visa rules, and impose stricter penalties. Albanese also said authorities would maintain a list of organisations whose leaders encourage hate, as Australia mourned the victims of the tragedy.
