What we know about Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram, the father-son duo identified as alleged Bondi Beach shooters who killed 16

The Bondi Beach suspected shooters were identified as a father and son duo behind an antisemitic attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, December 14 that left at least 16 people dead, including one of the alleged gunmen, and more than 40 others injured.

The two men, aged 50 and 24, were dressed in black and armed with shotguns when they opened fire shortly before 7pm, sending beachgoers and revelers fleeing for their lives. The area was crowded at the time, including people celebrating the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

Who are Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram?

Bondi Beach shooters have been identified as Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, who died at the scene, according to multiple media reports, including ABC News. Police later raided an address linked to the suspects in Bonnyrigg, in Sydney’s western suburbs. The younger Akram remains in critical condition in hospital.



According to the Financial Review, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the 50-year-old attacker had held a gun license for approximately 10 years. Lanyon confirmed that the two suspected shooters travelled from their home in Bonnyrigg and stayed at a property in Campsie before carrying out the attack at Bondi Beach.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that his son had been laid off from his bricklaying job about two months ago after the company he worked for became insolvent and that he had been looking for work. The outlet also said that Sajid Akram owned a fruit shop.

What else do we know about Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram?

ABC News reported that Australia’s domestic intelligence agency, ASIO, examined Bondi gunman Naveed Akram six years ago over his close ties to a Sydney-based Islamic State (IS) terrorism cell. The outlet reported, citing a Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) official, that “an IS flag was found in the men's car at Bondi Beach.”

The official said ASIO took an interest in Naveed Akram six years ago after police foiled plans for an IS terrorist attack.

Bondi Beach victims

Authorities have confirmed that a 10-year-old girl was among those killed in the attack. Other confirmed victims include a 27-year-old French national, Dan Elkayman, and Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a Sydney-based Chabad emissary who was present at the Hanukkah event on Sunday evening.