Sydney (TDI): Sydney authorities have revealed that the father and son accused of one of Australia’s deadliest mass shootings spent nearly all of November in the Philippines.
According to Manila’s immigration department, Sajid Akram entered the country as an Indian national, while his son Naveed Akram, an Australian citizen, accompanied him.
The pair arrived on November 1, 2025, with Davao in the southern Philippines listed as their intended destination. They left the country on November 28. Philippine authorities are currently investigating their visit, while Australian police continue to probe the purpose of the trip.
Early findings suggest that the attack may have been inspired by Islamic State ideology. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett emphasized that the suspects’ actions were linked to extremist groups, not any religion. Authorities also reported that Naveed’s vehicle contained improvised explosive devices and homemade flags linked to ISIS.
The father and son opened fire on attendees at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, killing 15 people and injuring dozens. The rampage, which lasted around 10 minutes, forced festival-goers to flee or take cover before police shot both suspects. Currently, 25 survivors are receiving treatment in various Sydney hospitals.
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the attack was motivated by extremist ideology. He noted that Naveed had previously come to the attention of intelligence agencies in 2019 but was not considered an immediate threat.
At the site of the tragedy, Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon laid flowers at a temporary memorial and called on Australian authorities to ensure the safety of Jewish communities. Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most famous tourist destinations, remained largely empty under overcast skies, with the memorial gradually growing.
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Heroism was displayed by Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old father, who confronted one of the gunmen and wrestled the weapon from him. Ahmed remains hospitalized, and a GoFundMe campaign in his support has raised over A$1.9 million ($1.26 million).
The attack has prompted renewed debate over Australia’s gun laws. Sajid Akram, a licensed gun owner since 2023, had six registered firearms. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke indicated that current regulations, originally strengthened after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, need reassessment.
