Bondi Beach Terror Attack: Suspect Naveed Akram Identified in Deadly Hanukkah Shooting

Police conducted a raid on Naveed Akram's residence Sunday evening as part of their ongoing investigation into the Bondi Beach attack.

New Delhi:

According to a senior law enforcement official, one of the alleged Bondi Beach shooters has been identified as Naveed Akram, a 24-year-old from Bonnyrigg, Sydney. As reported by ABC News, police searched his home Sunday evening as the investigation continues to unfold.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon addressed social media speculation at a press conference, stating, "This is not a time for retribution, this is a time to allow the police to do their duty." He further noted that one of the suspects "has very, very little knowledge to the police so he's not someone we would've been looking at, at this time."

The violent attacks occurred at approximately 6:30 pm local time, targeting people celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival. The tragic incident resulted in at least 12 fatalities and 29 injured individuals, including a child and two police officers. Commissioner Lanyon described the officers' conditions as "serious, verging on critical," adding that both were undergoing surgery.

Premier Chris Minns confirmed the death toll and stated that the attack was "designed to target Sydney's Jewish community."

Who Is Naveed Akram?

According to social media reports, Naveed Akram is a 24-year-old originally from Lahore, Pakistan, who was studying at Sydney's al-Murad Institute. Circulating online is what appears to be a license photo showing him wearing a Pakistan cricket jersey.

Authorities have confirmed that of the two gunmen involved in the incident, one was killed at the scene while the other remains hospitalized in critical condition. Investigators are examining whether a third gunman or additional accomplices participated in the attack.

Australian Police Classify Incident As "Terror Attack"

Law enforcement discovered several improvised explosive devices in a vehicle located on Campbell Parade in Bondi. "A rescue bomb disposal unit is there at the moment working on the vehicle," Commissioner Lanyon explained.

"The types of weapons... some of the other items we found at the scene – as I said, we have found the improvised explosive device in a car which is linked to the deceased offender," Commissioner Lanyon stated, officially designating the incident as a "terrorist attack."

Commissioner Lanyon commended a bystander captured on video wrestling with one of the attackers, disarming him of his rifle, and subduing him. The 15-second footage shows the unarmed civilian running toward the shooter, restraining him from behind, and turning the weapon back on the attacker.

According to reports, Naveed Akram is believed to be the attacker who was disarmed in the viral video, though he allegedly managed to fire additional shots after escaping the scene.

Police have not yet disclosed details regarding the firearms used or how the attackers acquired them, only confirming they were "long arms."