Bondi Beach Shooting: Father and Son Behind Deadly Attack

Australian police have revealed that the deadly Bondi beach attack was allegedly carried out by a father and son using legally owned firearms. The shooting took place on Sunday during a gathering to mark the first night of Hanukah, leaving 15 people dead and dozens injured. The 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, was arrested at the scene with critical injuries and taken to a Sydney hospital, while his 50-year-old father was shot dead by police during the response. Authorities said the father held a valid firearms licence for around ten years and had six registered weapons, all of which have now been recovered.

Police confirmed that four long firearms, including a rifle and shotgun, were seized at the Bondi scene, while additional weapons were found during raids at properties in Campsie and Bonnyrigg. The New South Wales police said there was no clear warning that the attack was being planned. However, the younger suspect had previously come to the attention of ASIO in 2019 due to associations with others, though he was later assessed as posing no active threat at that time.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Naveed Akram was an Australian-born citizen, while his father had migrated to Australia in the late 1990s and held resident return visas. The NSW Police Commissioner confirmed the investigation is ongoing and declined to comment on reports of extremist material allegedly found during searches. He also stated that no other suspects are currently being sought.

The NSW government has indicated that changes to gun laws are likely, as authorities examine whether there were failures in how licensed firearms were monitored. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said all systems would be reviewed to prevent such incidents in the future.

Naveed Akram was described by former employers as a quiet but hardworking bricklayer who kept to himself. Colleagues said he had an interest in boxing and hunting but did not openly discuss religion or politics at work. Community members near the raided homes expressed shock, calling the area normally peaceful.

As floral tributes continue to grow at Bondi Beach, national leaders have promised strong action against hate and violence. The investigation remains active as police work to understand how the attack unfolded and whether warning signs were missed.