A father-son duo being investigated for a horrific mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, this past Sunday are believed to have been motivated by Islamic State ideology. The suspects, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, who was killed during an exchange of gunfire with police, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, are at the center of an ongoing investigation by Australian authorities.
Police reports indicate that the Akrams had recently traveled to the southern Philippines, which is notorious for being a hotspot of extremism. During their trip, they were thought to have undergone military-style training, raising alarms among counterterrorism officials. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported the discovery of two homemade Islamic State flags in a vehicle registered to Naveed Akram. Despite previous assessments by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) indicating he was not a threat, the investigation has been revisited in light of these developments.
The shooting event, which tragically claimed the lives of 15 individuals, targeted Jewish Australians during the first night of Hanukkah, marking it as the country’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades. Authorities have stated that no other suspects appear to be involved, which has led to speculation about how the Akrams managed to evade detection prior to the attack.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the alarming rise of extremist ideologies, highlighting that Islam has been misrepresented by radical elements. He noted that while antisemitism has long existed, the pernicious influence of ISIS has increasingly contributed to radicalization since 2015. Albanese expressed his deep concerns over the resurgence of such violent ideologies, which he described as a tragic reality for both Australia and the wider world.
As the investigation continues, particular focus is being placed on the Akrams’ trip to the Philippines. Philippine authorities confirmed that the two arrived in the country on November 1, departing later on November 28. Mindanao, their noted destination, has a history of insurgency and is home to Islamist groups like Abu Sayyaf, which have been involved in severe acts of violence.
Naveed Akram was investigated by ASIO in 2019 due to his connections with individuals who were subsequently imprisoned. Although he was not deemed a threat at that time, the current inquiry is assessing potential radicalization that may have occurred since. Both men maintained a low profile in the community, with Sajid Akram operating a fruit shop and Naveed working as a bricklayer.
Following the attack, police confiscated six firearms owned by Sajid Akram, whose gun licenses were reportedly obtained legally. Investigations have also revealed that footage of Naveed Akram portrayed him as a skilled marksman, further raising concerns about the thoroughness of security measures and monitoring of individuals previously assessed to be non-threatening.
As the nation grapples with the ramifications of this tragic event, community leaders and representatives have condemned the violence, emphasizing the need for unity and vigilance against the spread of extremist ideologies. The sentiments across Australia underline a collective resolution to address the roots of radicalization and ensure the safety of its diverse populations.