• Sajid Akram, the gunman, had limited contact with his family in India.
• The attack resulted in 16 deaths and was labeled as terrorism targeting the Jewish community.
• Investigation into potential military training in the Philippines is ongoing.

Sajid Akram, the gunman responsible for Australia's deadliest mass shooting, originated from Hyderabad, India, and had very limited contact with his family since migrating to Australia approximately 27 years ago. Telangana state police confirmed that he visited India only six times since his migration in 1998, primarily for family-related matters. Family members noted they had no knowledge of his radicalization or related activities, according to Reuters, Indiatimes, and Channel News Asia.

In the tragic event at Bondi Beach on Sunday during a Hanukkah celebration, 16 individuals lost their lives, and over 25 others were injured. Among the casualties was a 10-year-old girl. The incident was marked as an act of terrorism aimed at the Jewish community. Australian police indicated that Sajid Akram, who was shot at the scene, initiated the attack alongside his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, who is currently hospitalized in critical condition, according to Reuters, Indiatimes, and BBC.

The investigation has also highlighted a trip taken by both men to the Philippines in the month preceding the attack. This travel is under scrutiny, with reports suggesting they could have been there for military-style training. However, the Australian authorities have not substantiated these claims. The two had reportedly told family members they were embarking on a fishing trip, according to Indiatimes, BBC, and Channel News Asia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident, labeling it as an act of antisemitism and expressing that the attackers were fueled by "an ideology of hate". He also confirmed that Australian security agencies are probing into Naveed Akram's previous associations with an Islamic State terror cell, though he was not considered an immediate threat at that time, according to Indiatimes and BBC.