Father-son duo identified as suspects in deadly Sydney terror attack.
Sydney: Australian law enforcement agencies have released the names of the two individuals behind the horrific massacre at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach. According to reports citing senior police officials, the attack, which claimed the lives of at least 15 people on Sunday, was carried out by a father and son duo. They have been identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, residents of southwest Sydney.
The chaotic scene unfolded during a Hanukkah celebration, turning a festive Jewish holiday gathering into a tragedy. Police confirmed that the father, Sajid Akram, was killed during the confrontation at the scene. His son, Naveed, sustained injuries and is currently hospitalized under strict police surveillance.
A Deliberate Act of Terror
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has characterised the Bondi Beach shooting as a targeted assault on the Jewish community. In addition to the fatalities, approximately 40 individuals suffered injuries. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation on Monday, describing the violence as an act of "pure evil" and antisemitic terrorism.
"This is an act of terrorism on our shores in an iconic Australian location that is associated with joy and families," Albanese stated, expressing that the nation’s heart had been broken by the senseless violence.
Suspect Details and Investigation
Investigations have revealed that Sajid Akram originally arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa before eventually obtaining residency. He held a valid firearms license in New South Wales and had brought six registered weapons to the beach that day. Naveed, an unemployed bricklayer, had reportedly told his family he was away on a fishing trip.
Police raided the Akram residence in Bonnyrigg and a temporary rental in Campsie on Sunday night. Authorities are currently analysing suspicious items seized from the suspects' vehicle, including improvised explosive devices.
Heroism Amidst Horror
The death toll could have been significantly higher if not for the bravery of bystanders. Local media highlighted the actions of Ahmed al-Ahmed, a fruit shop owner, who charged at one of the gunmen and managed to wrestle a weapon away. Additionally, witnesses reported that one of the shooters briefly paused to wave innocent bystanders away from the line of fire before targeting the specific gathering.
Image Source: Free Press Journal
