Naveed Akram, 24, named as one of the gunmen behind the terrorist attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach, leaving multiple people dead and injured.
The men responsible for the mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach in Australia today have been identified. The attack, which occurred during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, has been declared a “terrorist incident” by New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon.
Gunmen Identified
One of the gunmen has been identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram, a man from the city’s south-west, who was reportedly of Pakistani descent. Akram’s home in Bonnyrigg was raided by police, and an improvised explosive device was found in a car linked to him.
Akram was a student at Sydney’s al-Murad Institute and had previously worked as a construction laborer, but had recently lost his job. Authorities are examining his possible links to extremist Islam and whether he belonged to a terror organization.
The other gunman is in critical condition and in police custody. Police have not yet released details about the firearms used or how the attackers obtained them.
The attack occurred shortly after 6:45 pm local time, targeting a crowd celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. Witnesses described the scene as “absolute hell on Earth,” with people running for their lives and multiple people lying on the ground, injured or dead.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, calling it “shocking and distressing” and an “assault on the Jewish community”. Israeli leaders have also condemned the attack, linking it to years of antisemitic incitement in Australia.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is ongoing, with police reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, as conspiracy theories spread online.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a Chabad emissary in Sydney since 2008, was among those killed in the attack. Holocaust survivor Alex Kleitman was also killed while trying to protect his wife.
The shooting has sparked widespread condemnation and concern about safety and security in public spaces. It has also raised questions about gun laws and the need for stricter regulations.
The Australian Jewish community has expressed shock and grief, with many calling for unity and solidarity in the face of terrorism.
Police have maintained a heavy presence around Bondi Beach, with forensic teams continuing their work. Authorities have asked for calm and warned against retaliatory actions while investigations continue.
The attack is considered one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australia in nearly 30 years.
Naveed Akram’s family has been cooperative with police, and authorities are working to understand the motivations behind the attack.
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