Malacañang Palace has strongly rejected claims alleging that the two gunmen responsible for the deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach trained with ISIS in the Philippines, calling the assertion sweeping and misleading. No verified evidence from Australian or international investigations supports the alleged connection to training in the Philippines, with official statements confirming the attackers acted on domestic allegiance to the Islamic State and extremist ideology.
Deadly Bondi Beach Attack Shakes Australia
On December 14, 2025, an annual Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach near Sydney was struck by a horrific mass shooting. Two gunmen—a 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram—opened fire on hundreds of attendees during the event dubbed Hanukkah by the Sea. The attack claimed the lives of at least 15 people, including an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor and a rabbi, and left 38 others injured, among them two police officers.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese quickly labeled the incident an antisemitic terrorist attack motivated by extremist ideology, specifically citing allegiance to the Islamic State group. The father was killed during a police shootout at the scene, while the injured son remains in critical condition and has been charged with murder and terrorism offenses.
Investigation Reveals Lone Actors Motivated by Extremism
Authorities have emphasized that the gunmen acted independently, denying any evidence of collusion with a broader extremist network. The investigation found no signs of involvement beyond the father and son, both of whom displayed allegiance to ISIS, as evidenced by flags and improvised explosive devices found in their vehicle.
Prior to the attack, the pair stayed in a short-term rental about 30 minutes from Bondi Beach, reportedly preparing for the assault over two weeks. Police also raided their family home shortly after. Notably, Naveed underwent an Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) investigation in 2019 due to suspected connections to a Sydney-based ISIS cell. However, authorities concluded at the time there was no ongoing violent threat.
Palace Denies Claims of ISIS Training in the Philippines
In the wake of the attack, unsubstantiated claims surfaced alleging that the Bondi Beach gunmen trained with ISIS militants in the Philippines. Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the Philippine President, issued a firm rejection of this narrative, rejecting it as “sweeping and misleading.”
No information from Australian law enforcement or international intelligence corroborates any training activities by the suspects in the Philippines. Officials stress that the attack’s motives remain tied to domestic radicalization and extremist ideology, without credible links to foreign training or operational support.
Context of Rising Extremism and Policy Response
The Bondi Beach shooting occurred amid heightened concerns over growing antisemitism globally, particularly following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Australian authorities have responded by promising toughened gun laws, including bans on non-citizens holding weapon licenses, restrictions on ammunition, and tighter controls on 3D-printed firearm parts and imports.
Prime Minister Albanese underscored the need to confront domestic terrorism and religious hatred, while clarifying that the perpetrators operated alone. The attack also sparked debates on the risks posed by extremist ideologies importing violence, and the challenges public safety agencies face in preventing such lone-wolf attacks.
Community Impact and Acts of Courage
Amid the grief for the diverse victims whose ages ranged from 10 to 87 years old, voices of humanity emerged. One heroic figure was Ahmed al Ahmed, a 42-year-old Syrian-born Australian citizen and fruit shop owner at the scene, who disarmed one of the gunmen despite sustaining serious injuries. His courageous act was widely shared, standing in stark contrast to the ideology that motivated the assault.
Ongoing Investigations and Global Security Implications
The surviving gunman remains in police custody, facing prosecution on multiple charges as Australia continues its mourning and healing process. Meanwhile, international law enforcement agencies remain vigilant amid a broader wave of security threats. U.S. officials, for example, disclosed shortly after that they thwarted an unrelated bombing plot targeting New Year’s Eve celebrations in Los Angeles.
As investigations proceed, authorities continue to reject misleading claims that complicate understanding of the incident, emphasizing facts derived from thorough intelligence and forensic analysis. The firm denial from the Philippine Palace regarding training accusations serves to maintain focus on verified evidence rather than conjecture.
Conclusion
The Bondi Beach massacre stands as a grim reminder of the deadly potential of extremist ideology when fused with access to firearms. While rumors and misinformation swirl, official channels maintain that the attack originated from domestic radicalization rather than foreign training or conspiracies. This clarity is critical as Australia and its allies work to prevent future tragedies and safeguard their communities from the scourge of hate-fueled violence.
