Australian authorities are urgently investigating the deadly mass shooting that rocked Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah festival on 14 December 2025.

Father and son Sajid Akram (50) and Naveed Akram (24) opened fire on a crowd celebrating the Jewish festival of lights, killing at least 15 people — including children — and injuring more than 40 others.

One gunman died at the scene after a shoot-out with police, while the other was critically wounded and taken to the hospital under guard.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Police have labelled the assault a terrorist attack and condemned it as an act of antisemitic violence. Authorities are also exploring every angle of motive and extremist influence as part of a broader terrorism investigation.

Intelligence Scrutiny: Was There an ISIS Link?

A major question dominating global reporting is whether the Akram duo was connected to the Islamic State (IS/ISIS). Here’s what evidence and official sources currently show:

Prior Intelligence Attention:

Australian domestic intelligence agency ASIO previously examined Naveed Akram in 2019 over suspected associations with a Sydney-based Islamic State cell. The agency reportedly assessed his activities and network connections but did not consider him an immediate threat at the time.

Early Reports of Ties to Extremist Circles:

Some outlets — citing law enforcement sources and investigative reporting — have suggested that both Akrams may have had ideological sympathy with extremist Islamist ideologies. One claim circulating online reported that an IS flag was found in the attackers’ vehicle, implying symbolic ties to the group. These details, however, remain unverified in official statements from police or federal authorities.

Motivations Still Under Investigation:

While ASIO’s earlier scrutiny of Naveed has raised questions, authorities have not publicly confirmed any formal operational link between the shooters and the Islamic State. Officials are continuing to dig through communications, travel history, social media, and contacts to determine whether the attack was inspired by extremist messages, self-radicalised privately, or driven by other motives. NSW Police have acknowledged they know “very little” about the background and motive of the two men beyond initial intelligence flags.

Current Status of Investigation

Naveed Akram remains in critical condition and is expected to face criminal charges once able.

Sajid Akram was killed by police during the attack.

Police raids have been conducted at properties linked to the pair as part of the probe.

Authorities have stressed the investigation is ongoing and have asked the public for any evidence of planning or external contact.

Bottom Line: What’s Confirmed vs. Unclear

Confirmed: The Bondi Beach shooting was declared an act of terrorism with antisemitic intent. One of the shooters — Naveed — was previously monitored by ASIO in relation to potential extremist ties.

Unclear: There is no official confirmation that either man was directly affiliated with the Islamic State or was acting on behalf of the group. Reports of IS flags or allegiance are not yet verified by law enforcement