Police have identified one of the alleged gunmen behind the deadly terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach as 24-year-old Naveed Akram, from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s south-west.
At least 16 people were killed when two attackers opened fire near a Jewish community gathering celebrating the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday evening.
It is reported that one gunman was shot dead at the scene, while the second remains in custody in critical condition.
A senior law enforcement official confirmed Akram was one of the attackers. His driver’s licence lists his address as Bonnyrigg, where police later swarmed a property believed to be connected to him. Streets were sealed off as tactical officers and detectives conducted urgent searches in the hours following the shooting.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon and ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said one of the alleged gunmen was known to authorities but had not been assessed as an immediate threat prior to the attack. Burgess confirmed that ASIO is urgently investigating anyone who may have known the attackers or had similar intent.
Federal and state leaders have called for unity and strong action in response to the attack. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “Australia mourns tonight for those who lost their lives in this cowardly act.”
“Our hearts are with the Jewish community and all those affected. We will leave no stone unturned in bringing all responsible to justice and ensuring the safety of Australians.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns described the attack as “horrifying” and “a targeted assault on Sydney’s Jewish community during a sacred festival,” adding that authorities were treating the incident as terrorism.
“This was an attack on our values and on the freedoms we hold dear. The full resources of the state are committed to the investigation and support of victims and their families.”
Shadow Attorney-General Andrew Wallace also weighed in, highlighting the issue of firearms: “It appears the attackers were armed with semiautomatic shotguns, although investigations are ongoing. Australians expect leadership on firearms control and a strong stance against antisemitism, much like the response after the Port Arthur tragedy.”
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, who was present at Bondi Beach during the attack, said,
“It was a horrific assault on our way of life and a very targeted attack on our Jewish community. We are all deeply shaken but must remain resolute against hatred and violence.”
The national terrorism threat level remains at “probable,” Burgess said, warning that while there is no indication of further immediate threats, investigations are ongoing.
Authorities initially investigated reports of a third shooter but later confirmed there were only two attackers.
The identity of the second alleged attacker has not yet been released, and police say further details will be made public as investigations continue.
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