PREVIEW

Bondi Gunmen Were Inspired by Islamic State, Police Say. Australian police said two alleged gunmen who attacked a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach were inspired by Islamic State and had travelled to the Philippines weeks before the shooting. The attack, described as Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years, killed 16 people including one of the suspected attackers and was investigated as a terrorist act targeting the Jewish community. Police identified the deceased gunman as 50-year-old Sajid Akram, while his 24-year-old son and alleged accomplice was left in critical condition after being shot by officers. Authorities said both men travelled to Manila and Davao in November, though officials stressed it was not yet proven they had links to terrorist groups or received training. Investigators found improvised explosive devices and ISIS-associated flags inside a vehicle registered to the younger suspect, reinforcing concerns of extremist motivation. Police said the pair fired on hundreds of people during a 10-minute rampage before being stopped, as videos later surfaced showing the younger suspect preaching in Sydney suburbs. Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon urged Australia to strengthen protections for Jewish communities, as officials warned antisemitism had become a top national security concern. The attack prompted renewed scrutiny of Australia’s gun laws and widespread public response, including mass blood donations and global praise for a Muslim bystander who disarmed one attacker.
Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT