Father and Son Linked to Bondi Beach Attack That Killed 15, Reportedly from Pakistan

Father-Son Duo Behind Sydney’s Bondi Beach Attack Identified, 16 Dead

The two gunmen responsible for the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah event on Sydney’s Bondi Beach were a father and son reportedly from Pakistan, according to CBS News citing US intelligence officials. The 50-year-old father was shot dead at the scene, while his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, remains critically ill in hospital under police guard.

Authorities confirmed that no other attackers were involved, and the incident, which targeted Sydney’s Jewish community during the Chanukah by the Sea celebration, has been classified as a terrorist attack. Sixteen people, including the elder attacker, were killed.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said investigators located two live improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near the scene, which were safely neutralised. Search warrants executed in western Sydney suburbs of Bonnyrigg and Campsie revealed that the father, a licensed firearms holder for 10 years, owned six guns believed to have been used in the attack.

Lanyon said the motive remains under investigation and declined to comment on reports of an ISIS flag at the scene. Two police officers injured during the response remain hospitalised. Authorities will maintain heightened security at places of worship in the coming days.