Mother Denies Son's Involvement in Sydney Jewish Festival Terror Attack That Left 15 Dead

Naveed Akram sustained injuries during police response and is currently under detention.

Twenty-four hours following the tragic terror incident at a Jewish celebration near Sydney's Bondi Beach, Verena remains bewildered by the unfolding events. Her spouse, Sajid Akram, aged 50, was fatally shot after allegedly firing upon attendees at a religious gathering marking the commencement of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival. Verena's 24-year-old son Naveed, who accompanied his father during the assault, was apprehended at the scene and remains in police custody.

In a statement to The Sydney Morning Herald, Verena mentioned that Naveed and Sajid had traveled to Jervis Bay for a weekend fishing excursion.

"He telephoned me [Sunday] and said, 'Mum, I just went for a swim. I went scuba diving. We're going... to eat now, and then this morning, and we're going to stay home now because it's very hot,'" Verena recounted.

Following the terror attack that claimed 15 lives, images circulating online show Naveed carrying a firearm at the incident location. Despite this evidence, Verena refuses to believe her son could participate in violent acts.

"He doesn't possess a firearm. He rarely goes out. He doesn't socialize with friends. He abstains from alcohol and tobacco, he avoids questionable establishments... he commutes between work and home, exercises, and that's all," she insisted. "Anyone would desire a son like mine... he's a good boy."

Naveed worked as a bricklayer until recent months when his employer's company became insolvent. Sajid operated a fruit shop. The pair resided with Verena, Naveed's 20-year-old brother, and 22-year-old sister in their western Sydney home purchased last year.

Authorities continue investigating the motivation behind this attack. Among the 15 victims was a 10-year-old child. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterized the incident as an act of "pure evil." "Yesterday's events represented pure evil, an act of antisemitism, terrorism on our shores," he stated.

When the attack occurred, approximately 1,000 people had assembled at the beach for the Jewish celebration. The assailants targeted an elevated boardwalk where swimmers were relaxing. The father and son discharged bullets from long-barreled weapons for at least 10 minutes before police fatally shot Sajid.