(VOVWORLD) - Two alleged gunmen who attacked a Hanukkah event at Sydney's Bondi Beach had travelled to the Philippines before the assault, and appeared to be inspired by Islamic State, police said on Tuesday.
The death toll stands at 16, including one of the alleged gunmen, identified as Sajid Akram, 50, who was shot by police. The man's 24-year-old son and alleged accomplice, identified as Naveed Akram, was in critical condition in hospital after also being shot.
Philippine immigration officials said both men travelled to the Phillippines on November 1 and left on November 28. The father travelled on an Indian passport, while the son was on an Australian passport, officials said.
Police also said the vehicle which is registered to the younger male contained improvised explosive devices and two homemade flags associated with ISIS.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the gunmen were motivated by ISIS ideology. He also confirmed local media reports that Naveed Akram was in 2019 investigated by the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) over suspected ties to a Sydney-based ISIS terrorism cell.
The attack on Sunday was Australia's worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years.