Shooting at one of Australia’s most famous beaches
Tragic events unfolded on Bondi Beach in Sydney. Two armed attackers opened fire on unarmed people. Over 100 shots were fired in just a few minutes. Sixteen people died and many were injured.
According to Australian security services, the attack was terrorist in nature.
Father and son linked to ISIS
According to the Australian broadcaster ABC, the shooters were 24-year-old Navid Akram and his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram. Investigators determined that both were about to pledge allegiance to the so-called Islamic State.
An ISIS flag was found in the attackers’ car. Navid Akram was already known to Australian authorities due to possible contacts with an Islamist cell operating in Sydney.
The perpetrator’s father was shot dead at the scene by police. His son is in critical condition in hospital.
Footage shows the attacker’s cold blood
Footage documenting the attack has appeared on social media. Users are noting the composure and preparedness of the younger attacker, who fired precise fire at the fleeing crowd for an extended period.
These recordings are currently being analyzed by investigators and constitute important evidence.
Heroic reaction of a defenseless man
The massacre was stopped thanks to the quick reaction of Ahmed al-Ahmed, 43, the owner of a small fruit shop and father of two. The man, unarmed, lunged at the attacker and snatched his gun.
He was shot twice and taken to the hospital. His condition is stable. Bloomberg reported his actions, among others..
Fundraising for a hero
American billionaire Bill Ackman organized a GoFundMe fundraiser to support Ahmed al-Ahmed and his family. It quickly raised approximately $690,000.
Ackman himself donated $99,999 for this purpose.
Act of hatred after attack
Following the attack, a Muslim cemetery in Sydney was also desecrated. Unknown perpetrators dumped pig heads on the grounds. The incident occurred after local Muslim community leaders refused to bury the terrorists, emphasizing that they did not recognize them as true followers of Islam.
The police are handling the case.
Among the victims was an 87-year-old Ukrainian, a Holocaust survivor.
Among the dead was 87-year-old Alex Kleitman, a Ukrainian Holocaust survivor. According to witnesses, he died while trying to shield his wife from bullets.
His death shocked public opinion in Australia and beyond.
The investigation is ongoing
Australian authorities are conducting an intensive investigation into the attack. They are analyzing the perpetrators’ connections, prior activities, and possible contacts with extremist groups.
The authorities announce the strengthening of security measures in public places.
Source: The Australian
Journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Nowiny Wschodnie, a news platform followed by more than 140,000 people on social media. A graduate in Journalism and Social Communication, he has been co-creating and developing Nowiny Wschodnie since 2017. He gained professional experience working with local and international media.
He specializes in fact-checking, countering disinformation and propaganda, and information security. His work focuses on Poland, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and Polish-Ukrainian relations. He is also the founder of a non-profit organization working in the fields of integration and intercultural dialogue.
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