Bondi Beach Attack: Shooters Sajid Akram, 50, and Son Naveed, 24, Identified

ByKristin Malone
Bondi Beach Shooters identified, active investigation

SYDNEY — Authorities on Monday identified the gunmen behind the Bondi Beach attack that killed 15 people and injured more than 40 others as a father and son. Police said 50‑year‑old Sajid Akram died at the scene after being shot by officers, while his 24‑year‑old son, Naveed Akram, remains hospitalized in critical condition under police guard.

Bondi Beach Shooters: What is Known

The attack unfolded Sunday evening as crowds gathered along the Bondi promenade for Hanukkah celebrations. Witnesses described scenes of panic as families fled gunfire, with police and emergency responders rushing to secure the area.

Investigators said Sajid Akram first arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa, later transferring to a partner visa and eventually a resident return visa. He held a firearms license for recreational hunting and was a member of a gun club. Police recovered multiple registered weapons linked to him, along with explosives found in a vehicle connected to the suspects.

Naveed Akram, an Australian‑born citizen, had previously come to the attention of authorities in 2019. Officials at the time assessed that he posed no ongoing threat. Counterterrorism investigators later examined his ties to a Sydney‑based Islamic State cell. Police now believe both men pledged allegiance to the group before carrying out the Bondi assault.

Detectives said the pair prepared for the attack at a short‑term rental property in Campsie, about 30 minutes from Bondi Beach. Officers also raided the family’s home an hour outside Sydney as part of the investigation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence and pledged full support for victims, calling the attack “a deliberate act of terror” against the Jewish community. Vigils have since been organized across Sydney, with thousands gathering to mourn the victims and show solidarity.

The investigation is still active. Authorities are examining the suspects’ backgrounds, motives and planning. The focus remains on understanding how a father and son carried out one of the deadliest attacks in Australia in recent years.

Kristin Malone is a freelance journalist specializing in Science & Environment, Health, and True Crime reporting. She is dedicated to delivering accurate, well-researched coverage that translates complex issues into clear, accessible reporting. Her work explores environmental challenges, public health developments, and investigative pieces that bring depth and precision to crime and justice. Kristin’s approach is grounded in thorough fact-checking and a commitment to integrity, ensuring readers receive trusted information on topics that matter most.