Washington / Sydney: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged the international community to stand united against what he described as the “evil forces of radical Islamic terrorism,” following the deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, which claimed 15 lives during a Jewish Hanukkah gathering.
Opening the Hanukkah celebrations at the White House, Trump expressed solidarity with Australia, offering condolences to the victims and their families.
“Let me take a moment to send our love and prayers to the people of Australia, and especially to all those affected by the horrific and antisemitic terrorist attack,” he said. “We are joined in mourning those who were killed and praying for the swift recovery of the wounded—some of whom are very seriously injured.”
Calling for collective action, Trump added, “All nations must stand together against the evil forces of radical Islamic terrorism.”
.@POTUS: “Let me take a moment to send the love and prayers [of] our entire nation to the people of Australia… All nations must stand together against the evil forces of radical Islamic terrorism.” pic.twitter.com/PdhVBwgy2p
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) December 17, 2025
Terror Attack at Bondi Beach
Australian authorities have described the Bondi Beach mass shooting as a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State (IS). The incident took place on Sunday at one of Australia’s most popular public spaces during a Hanukkah celebration.
One of the two alleged attackers, Sajid Akram (50), was shot dead by police at the scene. His son, Naveed Akram (24), who is accused of acting alongside him, survived and is currently hospitalised under police guard.
According to a report by NDTV, Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad and continues to hold an Indian passport. Australian and Indian authorities have confirmed his background. He had migrated to Australia in 1998 on a student visa, after completing a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Hyderabad, and had lived in Australia for nearly 27 years with minimal contact with his family in India.
Senior Telangana police officials said there was no evidence of any operational or ideological link between India and Akram’s alleged radicalisation.
IS Links Under Investigation
On Tuesday, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said investigators had determined the attack was inspired by the Islamic State group.
“The suspected attackers showed no regard for the age or vulnerability of their victims and appeared focused solely on causing mass casualties,” she said.
Authorities revealed that the attackers used a vehicle registered in the younger suspect’s name. The car has been seized, and investigators recovered improvised explosive devices and homemade flags linked to the Islamic State, strengthening the terror angle of the case.
The attack has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed global calls for coordinated action against extremist violence.
