According to police, the Bondi Beach attack was perpetrated by a father-son duo, Naveed (24) and Sajid Akram (50), using legally obtained firearms. Naveed was arrested at the scene with serious injuries, while police shot his father dead. The attack occurred during a Hanukkah celebration, resulting in 15 deaths and numerous injuries.
The son had a known history with police, and the father held a firearms license with six registered weapons, all of which were recovered, including a rifle and a shotgun. Investigations revealed that there was no indication of a premeditated attack, and Sajid had held his firearms license for over a decade.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns announced potential revisions to gun laws following the incident. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted that Naveed had been under surveillance by Australian intelligence in 2019 but was cleared of any ongoing threats. The pair has also been linked to a 2019 counter-terrorism operation concerning Islamic State, but further details remain unconfirmed.
Naveed worked as a bricklayer, described by colleagues as eccentric yet hardworking, and was known to hunt regularly. An old photo of him has circulated online, but his connections to various communities seem to have diminished over time.
Local residents expressed shock over the violent event, emphasizing the quiet nature of their area and their quest for safety. The community has begun mourning the victims, with floral tributes at the scene.
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