Australian authorities have confirmed a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney’s Bondi Beach was a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State ideology. Fifteen people died, and 25 remain hospitalized, some critically. The suspects, Sajid Akram, 50, who was killed by police, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, are originally from Pakistan. Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the attack was ideologically motivated after finding Islamic State-related material and improvised explosive devices. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese explained the evidence included flags and online content tied to the extremist group. Victims ranged from 10 to 87 years old, including a British-born rabbi, a Holocaust survivor, a retired police officer, and a child. The suspects deliberately targeted Jewish attendees. Naveed was previously investigated in 2019 by Australian intelligence for links to a Sydney-based pro-IS network but was not seen as an imminent threat. Neither was on a terrorism watchlist before the attack. Sajid legally owned six firearms and used several during the attack. This has sparked calls for much stricter gun laws, the toughest since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Authorities are also probing a November trip the suspects made to the Philippines, where they declared Davao as their destination. Australian sources suggest they might have received military-style training there, but this is unconfirmed. No security alerts were triggered after the trip. Police found more firearms at a Sydney rental used by the men. Heroes emerged during the attack, including Ahmed al Ahmed, who disarmed a shooter despite being shot multiple times. Lifeguards and police also helped victims under fire. Prime Minister Albanese called Ahmed “a true Australian hero”.