Sydney Shooter's Previous Investigation for ISIS Links Revealed Following Deadly Bondi Beach Attack

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation conducted an investigation into Naveed Akram back in 2019.

Australia's intelligence agency previously investigated one of the alleged gunmen involved in the Bondi Beach shooting for potential connections to the Islamic State group six years prior, according to reports from the national broadcaster on Monday.

A father aged 50 and his 24-year-old son are alleged to have opened fire on Sunday during a Hanukkah festival at Sydney's iconic beach, resulting in 15 fatalities and over 40 injuries.

Media outlets in Australia identified the attackers as Sajid Akram, who died in an exchange of gunfire with police, and his son Naveed Akram, who remained in critical condition under police surveillance at a hospital.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation investigated the son in 2019, according to public broadcaster ABC, which referenced an unnamed senior official involved in the joint counter-terrorism operation examining the Bondi Beach attack.

The report indicated that Naveed Akram allegedly had close ties to an Islamic State member who was apprehended in July 2019 and subsequently convicted of preparing a terrorist act within Australia.

The broadcaster reported that counter-terrorism detectives believed both Bondi Beach gunmen had sworn allegiance to Islamic State.

Senior officials reportedly informed ABC that two Islamic State flags were discovered in the attackers' vehicle at the beach location.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess told reporters on Sunday that one gunman was "known to us but not in an immediate threat perspective."

"So, obviously we need to look into what happened here," he further stated.

New South Wales police officials stated they could not verify the ABC report.

ASIO representatives stated that the organization "does not comment on individuals or ongoing investigations."