Australians were shocked by a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, 2025, which has left investigators puzzled over what motivated one of Australia’s deadliest attacks ever. Father-and-son gunmen Sajid Akram (50 years old) and 24-year old son Naveed Akram are believed to have traveled from Singapore to Philippines shortly before carrying out the assault and were possibly inspired by Islamic State ideology (IS). [Reuters]
Australia and Philippine immigration officials reported that both men journeyed to the Philippines early November and spent approximately 28 days there before returning home weeks prior to launching their attack on Bondi Beach. Both listed Davao on Mindanao island as their intended destination – an area with longstanding links to Islamist insurgencies and extremist activity.
While authorities have confirmed the trip, its purpose remains unclear. Australian officials are working alongside Philippine counterparts to understand why Akrams chose that destination and what activities took place while there. Philippine military authorities have stated there is no evidence suggesting they received formal militant training while there; however certain parts of southern Mindanao have historically been associated with militant networks and extremist movements.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made public statements suggesting the Bondi Beach massacre was inspired by Islamic State ideology, reflecting emerging evidence. These include finding two homemade IS flags and two homemade explosive devices in a vehicle linked to one suspect that suggests their possible alignment or admiration for this extremist group’s message of hate and violence.
Authorities have also noted that the attack targeted Hanukkah celebrations, making this not only a mass shooting but an act of anti-Semitic terrorism according to law enforcement assessments. Furthermore, their pre-attack trip to the Philippines has intensified scrutiny as to what influence radical extremist influences may have had in their beliefs and planning.
Even with these troubling links, Prime Minister Albanese made clear that the Akrams “acted alone,” not part of an extremist cell or network abroad. Instead, according to their own investigation team’s preliminary report, their act may have been driven by self-radicalization or extreme ideologies within their home community.
Bondi Beach attack that resulted in at least 15 deaths and multiple injuries has led to national mourning and urgent calls for strengthened counter-terrorism measures. Authorities are conducting an investigation into how suspects obtained firearms – one suspect, Sajid Akram legally possessing multiple guns – as well as whether any warning signs were missed by intelligence agencies.
International response has been swift, with world leaders condemning and expressing solidarity with Australia and the Jewish community following this tragic event. Additionally, this incident has reignited debates surrounding terrorism, extremist radicalization, gun control issues and challenges associated with preventing attacks inspired by global extremist ideologies.

Overall, the trip of the Bondi gunmen to the Philippines remains at the core of their mass shooting investigation. Authorities are exploring whether exposure to extremist influences during this visit contributed to their motivation by Islamic State ideology – a claim supported by evidence yet still not fully comprehended in terms of specifics and direct links.