Australia has been shaken by one of its deadliest mass shootings in decades after a father and son of Pakistani origin allegedly opened fire at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Jewish festival, leaving 16 people dead, including one of the attackers.
Authorities have classified the incident as a terrorist attack. According to an ABC News report, two Islamic State (IS) flags were recovered from a car during follow-up raids.
Police identified the suspects as a 50-year-old man and his 24-year-old son. The father was shot dead by police at the scene, while the son was taken to hospital with critical injuries. Investigators said the father legally owned six firearms, which are believed to have been used in the shooting.
In the aftermath, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signalled possible reforms, saying the government was prepared to take “whatever action is necessary,” including the introduction of tougher gun laws.
