Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated today that the ideology of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS), which has existed for over a decade, fostered a mindset of hatred, leading to a willingness for mass murder. His comments came after a mass shooting at the Hanukkah festival for the Jewish community on Bondi Beach in Sydney on 14/12.

The two suspects in the shooting, which resulted in 15 deaths, were identified as Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50. Police fatally shot Sajid, while Naveed was apprehended at the scene and hospitalized in critical condition.

Rescue teams move an injured person during the shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney on 14/12. Photo: AP

Prime Minister Albanese confirmed that Naveed Akram had been on the radar of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) in 10/2019. Naveed was investigated for 6 months on allegations of links to individuals associated with an IS branch, according to ABC. "Two people connected to him were charged and jailed, but at that time, he was not deemed a threat", Albanese stated.

The Australian leader also noted that while the suspects were motivated by extremist ideology, "there is no evidence to suggest they were members of a terrorist group".

Minute-by-minute developments of the shooting at the Australia beach. Video: BBC

Albanese reported that police seized multiple weapons from the suspects' homes in Bonnyrigg and a property they rented in Campsie. He added that police are awaiting to question Naveed to clarify the incident. "A significant amount of information about the father and son has been gathered", he said.

Mal Lanyon, the New South Wales Police Commissioner, stated that police would prosecute Naveed. He declined to comment on reports of an IS manifesto or black flag found in the suspects' car.

Thanh Tam (According to AFP, ABC, Guardian)