Homepage News Police say Bondi shooters acted alone, not in terror cell

Police say Bondi shooters acted alone, not in terror cell

Police say Bondi shooters acted alone, not in terror cell
Flavio Brancaleone/EPA/Ritzau Scanpix

Australian authorities say their investigation into the deadly Bondi Beach shooting has found no evidence that the attackers were part of an organised terrorist network.

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The assessment comes as the country continues to grapple with the fallout from its deadliest mass shooting in almost 30 years.

Police assessment

Australia’s Federal Police chief, Krissy Barrett, said the two men suspected of carrying out the attack acted alone and were not directed by a wider group.

“There is no evidence to suggest that the suspected perpetrators were part of a larger terrorist cell or that they were instructed by others to carry out the attack,” Barrett said at a press conference alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

She stressed that the findings remain preliminary, with investigations continuing in Australia and the Philippines.

Community impact

The shooting targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14, killing 15 people and injuring around 40 others.

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A day before the press conference, families of the victims published an open letter calling for stronger federal action to address rising anti-Semitism and what they described as security failures ahead of the attack.

Barrett said police are now seeking expert advice on whether individuals who incite hatred against the Jewish community could face criminal charges, DR News reports.

Suspects and charges

Police allege the attack was carried out by 24-year-old Naveed Akram and his father, 50-year-old Sajid Akram.

Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene. Naveed Akram survived after being wounded and has since been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder, terrorism-related charges and explosives offences.

The shooting has shocked Australia and prompted an immediate tightening of already strict gun control measures, according to authorities.

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Sources: DR News

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