Father and Son Identified in Deadly Sydney Beach Attack During Jewish Hanukkah Celebration

The perpetrators of the fatal attack on a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach have been identified as father and son duo, resulting in at least 15 casualties.

Authorities have named the attackers as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram. The elder Akram was fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement at the location, while Naveed was apprehended and transported to hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition under police surveillance.

According to Australian media reports, the individuals opened fire on gatherings using "long arms," as stated by police. Sajid Akram possessed licenses for six firearms, all of which authorities believe were employed in the attack.

Reports indicate that the two men had informed family members they were heading to the South Coast for a fishing expedition. Naveed Akram was detained at the scene, while his father, who operated a fruit shop, perished during the confrontation with police, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Sajid Akram entered Australia on a student visa in 1998, later converting to a partner visa in 2001, and has maintained a resident return visa since then, as stated by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.

Naveed's mother, Verena, revealed that her son last made contact with the family on Sunday morning, preceding the shooting.

"He rings me up [on 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," she recounted, noting that he informed her he was at Jervis Bay with his father, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.

Verena mentioned she couldn't recognize her son from images captured at the scene and maintained that she did not believe he could be involved in violence or extremist activities.

"He doesn't have a firearm. He doesn't even go out. He doesn't mix around with friends. He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, he doesn't go to bad places ... he goes to work, he comes home, he goes to exercise, and that's it," she stated.

"Anyone would wish to have a son like my son ... he's a good boy," she added.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Naveed Akram was an unemployed bricklayer who had lost his position approximately two months prior when his employer became insolvent. His mother indicated he had been seeking employment.

Verena described her son, who attended Cabramatta High School, as somewhat unsociable and not appearing to spend significant time online. She mentioned he enjoyed fishing, scuba diving, swimming, and exercising.

Naveed Akram was apparently tagged in a 2022 social media post indicating he had completed his Koran studies at the Al-Murad Institute in Heckenberg, western Sydney.

The family resides in a three-bedroom house acquired in 2024, having previously lived in Cabramatta. Naveed shared the home with his parents, his 22-year-old sister, and 20-year-old brother. His mother is a homemaker who also provides care for her elderly mother nearby.

The attack at Australia's most renowned surf beach on a clear Sunday sparked waves of fear among terrified crowds at a tourist destination that epitomizes the nation's affinity for the ocean.

The youngest victim was a 10-year-old girl who succumbed to injuries at a children's hospital, according to police. The eldest was 87.

An additional 42 individuals were hospitalized, including two police officers.

(With inputs from agencies)