Sydney attack: Police say assailants trained locally before the assault

07:30

By: Sahili Aya

Sydney attack: Police say assailants trained locally before the assault

Australian police have revealed that the two perpetrators of the deadly attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney had received training within Australia and carried out reconnaissance at the site days before the assault. The findings were disclosed in official documents released on Monday.

According to investigators, the attack targeted a public gathering held to celebrate a Jewish religious festival and resulted in the deaths of 15 people. The suspects, a father and son, were known to authorities following the incident. One of them was killed during a police operation, while the other has since been formally charged with terrorism-related offenses and multiple counts of murder.

Police also reported the discovery of video material showing the attackers seated in front of symbols associated with the extremist group Islamic State, expressing ideological motivations linked to violent extremism. Investigators said additional extremist symbols were found in a vehicle connected to the suspects.

In the aftermath of the attack, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a public apology to the Jewish community and to the nation, acknowledging the trauma caused by the incident. He called for bipartisan political support to strengthen legislation against hate speech and extremist propaganda, stressing the need to protect social cohesion.

At the regional level, authorities in New South Wales announced plans to introduce some of the country’s strictest firearms regulations. Proposed measures include limiting the number of weapons an individual may own, banning the public display of terrorist symbols and expanding the power of authorities to restrict public demonstrations following attacks.

The federal government has also unveiled broader reforms aimed at tightening gun control, combating extremist rhetoric and reviewing intelligence and law enforcement procedures. Officials emphasized that these measures are intended to prevent future attacks while preserving public safety and unity.