Sydney’s Bondi Beach Attack Declared Terror Act; Father-Son Duo Kill 16 During Jewish Festival

Sydney, Dec 15: Australia was rocked by one of its deadliest mass shootings in decades after a Pakistani-origin father and son opened fire at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Jewish festival, killing 16 people, including the gunman, in an attack declared a terrorist incident by authorities.

Police identified the attackers as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene, while his son was critically injured and remains hospitalised. Investigators said the father legally owned six firearms, which are believed to have been used in the attack.

Australian authorities confirmed the recovery of two Islamic State (IS) flags during subsequent raids, including one found on the bonnet of the attackers’ car parked near Bondi Beach. Investigators believe the duo had pledged allegiance to the IS group, according to official sources cited by local media.

The shooting occurred on a Sunday afternoon as more than 1,000 people had gathered at the popular tourist spot to celebrate Hanukkah. Armed with long-barrelled guns, the attackers indiscriminately fired at the crowd, triggering panic as families and visitors fled for safety, abandoning belongings scattered across the sand.

Police said some people hid in nearby shops and buildings, while others took cover behind beach facilities. Social media footage showed chaotic scenes as well as acts of bravery, including a bystander who confronted one of the gunmen and wrestled away a weapon. Police responded swiftly, neutralising the older attacker and securing the area.

Australia’s domestic intelligence agency ASIO confirmed that Naveed Akram had been examined about six years ago due to his close links with a Sydney-based IS terror cell. He was reportedly connected to Isaak El Matari, an IS operative arrested in 2019 for plotting an insurgency in Australia. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said one of the attackers was known to the agency but was not assessed as an immediate threat at the time.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as “pure evil” and announced that the government was prepared to consider tougher gun laws. “What we saw was an act of antisemitism and terrorism on our shores, in an iconic Australian location associated with joy and celebration,” Albanese said, adding that Bondi Beach would be “forever tarnished” by the tragedy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the incident, accusing the Australian government of failing to act decisively against rising antisemitism. “Antisemitism is a cancer that spreads when leaders are silent,” he said.

By the time the area was cleared, the beachfront was strewn with discarded shoes, picnic items and blankets, stark reminders of the sudden violence that shattered a festive afternoon. (Agencies)