Bondi Beach Shooting: Father & Son Alleged Terror Attack

A father and son are suspected of carrying out the Bondi Beach attack that left 15 people dead and dozens injured, according to police. The son, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, was arrested at the scene and remains hospitalized with critical injuries, while his 50-year-old father was shot and killed by police.

Bondi Beach Attack: Suspects and Firearms

Police have not officially confirmed the names of the suspects, but identified them as a 24-year-old man and a 50-year-old man. The shooting occurred Sunday during a gathering to celebrate the first night of Hanukah.

The older man held a firearms licence for a decade and had six weapons registered to him, all of which have been recovered. Four of these weapons, believed to include a rifle and shotgun, were seized at the scene. Additional weapons were found during a raid at a home in Campsie, Sydney.

Police raided homes in Bonnyrigg and Campsie, where the men had lived. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated there was no indication either man was planning the attack, and confirmed the older man had held a gun licence for ten years.

The son was known to New South Wales police and security agencies. He came to the attention of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (Asio) in October 2019 and was investigated for six months due to his associations, but was found to pose no ongoing threat.

Naveed Akram is an Australian-born citizen, and his father arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998, later transferring to a partner visa and then resident return visas.

Work History and Associations

Until recently, Naveed Akram worked as a bricklayer. A former colleague described him as a “weird operator” but a hard worker with an interest in hunting, stating he regularly hunted rabbits and other game around Crookwell.

The colleague also claimed Akram told their boss weeks ago that he had broken his hand and would be unable to work until 2026. Images have emerged of what appears to be a hunting club membership card found in Akram’s wallet, though membership has not been confirmed.

An old photo of Naveed Akram posted by Sheikh Adam Ismail, head of Al-Murad Institute, went viral after the attack. Ismail stated he hadn’t seen Akram since 2022 and taught him Qur’an recitation and Arabic for a combined period of one year.

Investigation Continues

Police are investigating whether there were failures in the system that allowed licensed weapons to be used in the attack. NSW Premier Chris Minns said changes to gun laws are “almost certainly” coming.

Authorities are not commenting on reports that Naveed Akram was identified in a 2019 counter-terror investigation involving an Islamic State cell, or claims of a manifesto or Islamic State flag found in the vehicle used by the alleged attackers.

Neighbors in Bonnyrigg described the area as quiet. Police remained at the scene Monday morning, and family members were seen entering the home.