Australian intelligence probed Bondi shooter for IS links in 2019
What's the story
Australia's intelligence agency had investigated one of the alleged gunmen in the Bondi Beach shooting for possible links to the Islamic State group in 2019, AFP reported. The Bondi Beach incident, which took place on Sunday during a Hanukkah festival at Sydney beach, left 15 dead and over 40 injured. The accused have been identified as father-son duo Sajid Akram (50) and his son Naveed Akram (24).
Past investigation
Naveed Akram's past ties to Islamic State member
According to public broadcaster ABC News, Naveed was investigated by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) in 2019 for his ties to an Islamic State member arrested and convicted of preparing a terrorist act in Australia. The ASIO believed that both gunmen had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. Two IS flags were found in their car at Bondi Beach, according to senior officials who spoke with ABC News.
Official statement
ASIO Director-General acknowledges prior knowledge of 1 gunman
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess confirmed that one of the gunmen was known to them but not considered an immediate threat. "So, obviously we need to look into what happened here," he added. The 50-year-old attacker was killed in a shootout with police, while the son remains in hospital. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the shooting was a "targeted attack on Jewish Australian" and that the country would "never submit to division and hatred."
Suspect
Suspect may face criminal charges
In a news conference, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon suggested bringing criminal charges against the surviving 24-year-old suspect. "What's really important is to say we do have a 24-year-old male in hospital at the moment," Lanyon said. "Based on his medical condition, it is likely that that person may face criminal charges. I'm very mindful of not prejudicing any prosecution of that person, if they're put before the court."