Three Indian international students were injured in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, according to early reports, with at least two believed to be receiving treatment in the hospital.
The Australia Today understood the students sustained injuries to their thigh and leg during the shooting, though their identities and exact condition have not yet been formally confirmed.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack has been declared a terrorist incident and confirmed that investigators are examining evidence suggesting it may have been inspired by Islamic State ideology.
“What we know already is that this goes to motive,” the Prime Minister said.
“It would appear that there is evidence that this was inspired by a terrorist organisation, by ISIS.
Some of the evidence being procured, including the presence of Islamic State flags, forms part of that investigation.”
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the investigation remains complex and is expanding as new information emerges, including international travel by the alleged attackers and the discovery of extremist material.
Commissioner Lanyon confirmed police located homemade explosives and two homemade Islamic State flags following the attack, and that the matter was being jointly investigated by NSW Police, the Australian Federal Police and ASIO under terrorism powers.
He also clarified earlier information about firearms linked to the attack, confirming the deceased alleged gunman, Sajid Akram, held a Category AB firearms licence issued in 2023, after an earlier application lapsed.
The Commissioner said the two alleged attackers had travelled to the Philippines in November, with the purpose of the trip still under investigation. He stressed the travel had not been flagged by intelligence agencies but said this did not constitute an intelligence failure.
“I don’t believe it was an intelligence failure at all,” Commissioner Lanyon said.
“We are finding information post the event, and this will be a thorough investigation.”
At least 15 people were killed in the attack, including a 10-year-old child, while 40 others were injured. Five victims remain in critical condition, and two injured police officers are in serious but stable condition.
The attack unfolded during the Hanukkah by the Sea celebration, marking the first day of Hanukkah, when hundreds gathered near Campbell Parade.
Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, 50, opened fire on the gathering shortly before 7pm on Sunday. The father, who held six firearms licences, was killed by police at the scene, while Naveed remains in hospital in critical condition.
The attack killed 15 civilians and one of the attackers. Thirty-eight people were hospitalised, including police officers. One suspect remains in critical condition, while investigators continue to examine the scene.
Authorities have urged caution around unconfirmed reports as they continue to identify victims and notify families, with consular officials expected to be involved where foreign nationals are affected.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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