Sydney, Australia – In the aftermath of the Bondi Beach terror attack that claimed the lives of 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration, authorities are investigating the motives and backgrounds of the father-son duo behind the massacre. The older man, identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police at the scene, while his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, is in critical condition in a Sydney hospital. Australian officials have labeled the shooting as a targeted, anti-semitic terror attack inspired by the Islamic State group.

As investigations unfold in Australia, attention has turned to Sajid Akram's origins in Hyderabad, India. Telangana State Police have stated that Akram migrated to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment opportunities and had limited contact with his family in India over the past 27 years.

"The family members have expressed no knowledge of his radical mindset or activities, nor of the circumstances that led to his radicalization," Telangana State Police Chief, B. Shivadhar Reddy, said in a statement. The police added that there was no adverse record against Sajid Akram before he left India. According to the police, Akram visited India six times since migrating to Australia, mainly for family-related reasons, such as property matters and visits to his elderly parents. It is also understood that he did not return to India even at the time of his father's death.

According to The News Minute, Sajid Akram's brother, who resides in Hyderabad, stated that the family severed ties with Sajid after he married a Christian woman.

Australian authorities are currently investigating a trip made by Sajid and Naveed Akram to the Philippines last month. Sajid traveled on an Indian passport, while Naveed used an Australian passport. The purpose of this trip is under investigation, with officials yet to confirm any links to terrorist groups or whether the Akrams received training in the country.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the attack, stating that it appeared to be inspired by the "ideology of hate". He also mentioned the presence of Islamic State flags and improvised explosive devices found in the vehicle registered to Naveed Akram. Krissy Barrett, Australian Federal Police Commissioner, has described the Bondi Beach shooting as "a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State allegedly committed by a father and son".

The Bondi Beach massacre has been the deadliest mass shooting in Australia in nearly three decades. The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 years old and included a Holocaust survivor. Twenty-five people remain hospitalized, with some in critical condition.

In the wake of the attack, Australians are paying tribute to the victims with vigils held across the country. The government has also agreed to strengthen gun laws and launched an antisemitism taskforce.