Sajid and Naveed Akram Identified in Reports as Father and Son Linked to Deadly Bondi Beach Shooting

Reports citing law enforcement sources say the two men involved in Sunday’s deadly shooting at Bondi Beach have been identified as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, a father-and-son pair originally from Pakistan.

According to police statements and media reports, the attack left at least 16 people dead and more than 40 injured, making it one of the deadliest acts of violence in Australia in decades. Victims reportedly ranged in age from a child as young as 10 to an elderly person in their late 80s.

The shooting occurred just before 6:40 p.m. along Campbell Parade near North Bondi, where large crowds had gathered for Hanukkah celebrations as well as regular beachgoers enjoying a warm summer evening.

Father Killed, Son Hospitalized Under Guard

Police said Sajid Akram was shot dead during an exchange of gunfire with officers at the scene. His son, Naveed Akram, was shot, arrested, and remains hospitalized under police guard.

Authorities believe only two individuals were directly involved and have said they are not currently seeking additional suspects.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the older man had been a licensed firearms holder for approximately 10 years and legally owned six firearms, all of which were recovered from the scene.

“He was determined to be entitled to have a firearms licence,” Lanyon said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. “There were no prior incidents recorded against that licence.”

Witness Accounts Describe Chaos

Witnesses described hearing what they initially thought were fireworks before realizing gunshots were being fired. Some reported as many as 50 to 80 shots over a period of roughly ten minutes, as crowds fled across the sand and nearby streets.

Many of the victims were attending Chanukah by the Sea, a family-focused event being held beside a children’s playground. Police said approximately 1,000 people were attending the celebration, in addition to thousands of locals and tourists in the area.

Background and Security Focus

Media reports have described Naveed Akram as a recently unemployed bricklayer who had told family members he was going on a fishing trip that day. Social media posts reportedly show he had completed religious studies at an institute in western Sydney, though authorities have not commented on the significance of this.

Police confirmed raids were carried out at a Bonnyrigg residence and a short-term rental in Campsie, where the father and son were believed to have been staying.

Authorities also reported locating suspected improvised explosive devices in a vehicle linked to the attackers on Campbell Parade. Some reports claim objects believed to be pipe bombs were thrown during the attack but failed to detonate. These details have not been fully confirmed by police.

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) is working alongside state and federal police to investigate how the attack was planned and whether warning signs were missed. Police acknowledged one of the individuals was known to security agencies but had not been arrested prior to the incident.

Official Reaction

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the attack would likely prompt legislative reform, including possible changes to gun laws.

“We need to send a strong and clear repudiation of antisemitism in all of its forms,” Minns said. “There is no tolerance for racism or Jewish hatred in NSW or Australia.”

Police continue to emphasize that the investigation remains active and ongoing.