ISIS Calls Sydney Bondi Beach Shooting ‘Matter of Pride’, Does Not Claim Responsibility

Last Updated:December 18, 2025, 22:41 IST

The comments were made in an article published on the group’s Telegram channel in reference to the shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach.

Mourners place flowers at a memorial at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. (Image: Reuters)

The Islamic State (ISIS) called the mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that killed 15 people “a matter of pride," Reuters reported, while stopping short of claiming responsibility for the attack. The comments were made in an article published on the group’s Telegram channel in reference to the shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach. Australian authorities have said the attack appeared to have been inspired by Islamic State ideology.

The shooting was carried out by a father-son duo. One of the accused, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police at the scene. His son, Naveed Akram, 24, was critically injured and later placed under police guard in hospital.

After regaining consciousness from a coma, Naveed was charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism-related charges. Australian police have said Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad and carried an Indian passport but had migrated to Australia in 1998. Telangana police earlier said he had maintained limited contact with his relatives in India over the past 27 years and did not return even at the time of his father’s death.

The attack prompted a strong response from the Australian government as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a crackdown on hate speech and extremist propaganda. The Australian PM said the government was considering new laws to make it easier to charge individuals who promote hate and violence. Measures under consideration include easier cancellation or refusal of visas, tougher penalties and the creation of a list of organisations whose leaders engage in hate speech.

The Bondi Beach shooting is one of Australia’s deadliest terror-linked attacks in recent years, with authorities continuing to investigate the extent of extremist influence behind the violence.

News world ISIS Calls Sydney Bondi Beach Shooting ‘Matter of Pride’, Does Not Claim Responsibility

Read More