The mass shooting at the Hanukkah celebration event in Sydney was a terrorist act inspired by the terrorist organization 'Islamic State', said Australian Federal Police Commissioner Kristy Barrett on Tuesday, LETA reports citing AP.
As previously reported, on Sunday, two attackers opened fire on a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, killing 15 and injuring 41 people.
Police returned fire at the attackers, who turned out to be a father and son, resulting in the 50-year-old father being killed and the 24-year-old son being injured. Two police officers were injured in the shootout with the attackers. The injured attacker is in critical condition and is in police custody.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that conclusions about the ideological views of the attackers are based on collected evidence, including the discovery of 'Islamic State' flags in the confiscated vehicle.
Following the shooting, 25 victims continue to receive treatment in hospitals, with ten in critical condition. Among the injured is a man who helped stop one of the attackers.
The deceased from the shooting ranged in age from ten to 87 years old.
Albanese and leaders from several Australian states have promised to tighten laws regulating the acquisition and control of firearms.
Since 1996, when strict gun control measures were introduced following the Port Arthur massacre, which resulted in 35 deaths, mass shootings in Australia have been rare. These measures have long served as a model for other countries.
On Monday, Albanese noted that it is time to consider another reform and further tightening of Australian laws. "I definitely support this," he added.
Police established that the 50-year-old father had a license for six firearms, which were apparently used in the shooting.
The suspects traveled to the Philippines last month, and the purpose and content of this trip will be investigated, said New South Wales Police Commissioner Mick Fuller. He also confirmed that homemade explosive devices were found in the confiscated vehicle registered in the name of the younger suspect. "I also confirm that there were two homemade 'Islamic State' flags there," the commissioner added.
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