New South Wales Police have named the two men accused of carrying out a deadly shooting at a Hanukkah gathering near Bondi Beach as a father and son, and said no other attackers were involved. State and local media identified them as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram.
Authorities said officers shot and killed the father at the scene, raising the death toll to 16. The son was wounded, taken into custody and remains in hospital under police guard in critical but stable condition. A further 40 people are hospitalized, including two police officers described as serious but stable; victims range in age from 10 to 87.
Officials have characterized Sunday’s attack as a targeted antisemitic incident. Witnesses described a chaotic scene at the popular beach on a warm evening: the shooting reportedly lasted about 10 minutes and sent hundreds of people running along the sand and into nearby streets. Police estimated about 1,000 people had been attending the small park Hanukkah event.
Police said officers confronted the suspects during the attack, fatally shooting one and apprehending the other after he was injured. Investigators moved quickly overnight and are satisfied there were only two offenders, and that no further suspects are being sought.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister said the father arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa and that the son was born in Australia. CBS News, citing US intelligence officials briefed on the investigation, reported the pair were likely of Pakistani origin. Images circulating on social media reportedly show a New South Wales driver’s licence for Sajid Akram; authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of those images.
Relatives have spoken publicly. Naveed’s mother, Verena, told local media her son called earlier while on holiday with his father and described him as quiet and law-abiding, not given to violence. She said he did not drink or smoke and enjoyed fishing, scuba diving, swimming and exercise. Local reports say Naveed had been working as a bricklayer until his employer became insolvent around two months ago and that he attended Cabramatta High School.
Police continue to investigate the motive and have not formally classified the incident as terrorism. Security has been stepped up at Jewish community events, and officials have urged the public not to speculate while inquiries proceed.
Investigations are ongoing as police and intelligence agencies work to establish a full chronology and motive for the attack.
