VOIWORLD/Sydney, December 14, 2025:
Australian law enforcement authorities have identified Pakistani origin Naveed Akram as a suspect in the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney that left at least 12 people dead during a Hanukkah event on Sunday.
According to officials cited by Australian media, Akram, a resident of Sydney’s south-west, is believed to be one of the attackers. Police raided his home in Bonnyrigg on Sunday evening as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities said one of those killed is believed to have been among the shooters, while a second alleged attacker has been hospitalised and remains in critical condition.
The incident triggered panic at one of Australia’s most crowded public spaces, prompting a major security operation across Sydney. Police have launched a counter-terrorism probe and said investigations are continuing to determine the motive behind the attack
At least 15 people were killed and several others injured after two gunmen opened fire at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday evening during a Jewish religious gathering marking the start of Hanukkah, in what authorities have declared a terrorist incident.
New South Wales Police said the shooting occurred shortly after 6.30 pm local time, when hundreds of people had gathered for a seaside event known as “Chanukah by the Sea.” Witnesses reported hearing up to 50 gunshots as panic spread across the crowded beach.
Police confirmed that one of the attackers was shot dead during retaliatory firing, while the second alleged gunman remains in critical condition. Among the injured are police officers who responded to the attack. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon formally classified the incident as a terrorist act.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the scenes at Bondi as “shocking and distressing,” saying emergency services were working to save lives. “My thoughts are with every person affected,” he said in a statement, adding that he was in contact with federal and state authorities and urged the public to follow police instructions.
Earlier, NSW Police had warned people in the vicinity to take shelter as officers responded to what they described as a “developing incident” at the iconic beach.
According to media reports, the gunmen fired indiscriminately, targeting children and elderly attendees. Visuals from the scene showed bystanders performing CPR on victims while others fled for safety. Footage circulating on social media appeared to show the attackers dressed in black, firing into the crowd.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said Australians were united in grief following the attack. “Hateful violence has struck at the heart of an iconic Australian community,” she said, noting that the attack occurred as the Jewish community gathered for a celebration of peace and hope. “Today, we stand together as Australians against hate.”
The Australian Jewish Association criticised the federal government’s response, accusing it of failing to adequately protect the Jewish community despite repeated warnings. The organisation also expressed concern that official statements did not explicitly acknowledge that the attack targeted a Jewish event, saying many Jews were now questioning their future in the country.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities yet to release further details about the attackers or their motives. Security has been heightened across Sydney as police continue to assess potential threats.
