BONDI BEACH, NSW — Police have identified the two men responsible for the shocking shooting rampage near Bondi Beach as a father and son, as new details emerge regarding their background and condition.
Authorities confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, an Indian citizen, was the gunman found dead at the scene following a shootout with police. His son, Naveed Akram, 24, who was also shot during the confrontation, survived his injuries and has reportedly regained consciousness in hospital under heavy police guard.
The revelation comes as investigators in India assist Australian authorities. An Indian police official stated that Sajid Akram’s family had “no knowledge of his radical mindset,” adding a layer of complexity to the investigation into the pair’s motives.
A Day of Terror
The violence unfolded on Sunday afternoon near the popular tourist precinct of Bondi Beach, leaving the community reeling.
According to the New South Wales Police Force, the two men allegedly opened fire in a crowded public space near the intersection of Bondi Road and Hall Street around 4:30 p.m. AEDT. The attack left at least three civilians dead and several others injured.
Officers arrived within minutes of the first emergency calls to Triple Zero (000). When the suspects refused repeated orders to surrender and continued to fire upon civilians and law enforcement, police engaged them with lethal force.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb addressed the media late last night:
“This was an extraordinary and tragic incident. Our officers arrived within minutes and faced an armed, active threat. When the suspects failed to comply with orders to lay down their weapons and continued to pose a serious threat to public safety, our officers discharged their weapons. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families at this terrible time.”
Investigation and International Links
While Sajid Akram was pronounced dead at the scene, initial reports that both suspects had died were corrected early Monday. Naveed Akram remains in serious condition but is now conscious, potentially offering investigators a chance to uncover the motive behind the attack.
The NSW Police Homicide Squad is leading the inquiry, reviewing CCTV footage and coordinating with international agencies to trace the suspects’ movements and history.
“Senseless Violence”
Local leaders and residents have expressed shock at the violence shattering the peace of one of Australia’s most iconic locations.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore issued a message of sorrow:
“Our city is reeling from this senseless violence near one of our most iconic beaches. Bondi is a place of beauty, community, and joy, and we grieve for the lives cut short. I want to thank our brave police officers, emergency responders, and hospital staff for their efforts under immense pressure.”
Moore urged the public to remain united: “Now is a time for unity. Please look out for each other and support anyone affected by this tragedy.”
Community in Shock
Witnesses described a scene of sudden chaos. A local café worker recounted the moment the shooting began:
“One moment everything was normal, families on the beach, surfers… and then we heard shots. People were running and screaming. It was terrible.”
Nearby hospitals reported receiving several wounded victims, with at least two remaining in serious condition.
Police have increased patrols in the Bondi precinct to reassure residents and tourists and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
