New Details About Deadly Bondi Beach Attack
New information has come out about the worst mass shooting in Australia for many years. Police in Telangana, India, have confirmed that Sajid Akram, one of the people involved in the terror attack at Bondi Beach, was originally from Hyderabad.
This news corrects earlier reports that said the attacker was from Pakistan.
Sajid Akram's Background
- Sajid Akram moved to Australia about 27 years ago, in November 1998.
- He finished his B Com degree in Hyderabad before moving.
- He did not keep in touch much with his family in Hyderabad.
- He visited India only six times, mostly for family matters or to see his old parents.
- Police in Telangana say his extreme beliefs and actions do not seem connected to India or any local groups in Telangana.
- Sajid had an Indian passport.
- His son, Naveed Akram (24), and his daughter were born in Australia and are Australian citizens.
- Telangana police also confirmed that Sajid Akram had no criminal record in India before he moved.
What Happened at Bondi Beach
The attack took place on Sunday at Bondi Beach in Sydney, a very famous spot. It happened during a Hanukkah celebration.
Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, started shooting at people from a walkway above the beach.
The shooting lasted almost 10 minutes. People panicked and ran away from the crowded beach.
Victims and Attackers' Fate
- 16 people died, including:
- A 10-year-old girl
- A rabbi
- A retired police officer
- A person who survived the Holocaust
- More than 25 people were hurt, with six in very serious condition.
- Police shot and killed Sajid Akram at the scene.
- Naveed Akram was arrested. He is in the hospital in serious but stable condition, watched by police.
Declared a Terrorist Attack
Australian officials have said this shooting was a terrorist incident.
Investigators found several things linked to the Islamic State (IS) group in a car belonging to Naveed Akram:
- Homemade bombs
- Two homemade flags
Police also found many guns. Sajid Akram legally owned some of these guns with a special permit for recreation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attackers were filled with a "hate-filled ideology." He stated the attack was meant to scare Australia's Jewish community. He called the shooting:
- "An act of pure evil"
- "An act of antisemitism" (hatred against Jewish people)
- "An act of terrorism"
Investigation Continues
Security teams are also looking into a recent trip the father and son made to the Philippines last month.
Philippines authorities confirmed they entered the country on November 1 and left on November 28.
Australian police are still investigating:
- Why they went to the Philippines.
- Reports that they might have received "military-style training" there.
Police in New South Wales said the two men told their family they were going fishing. But they were actually staying in a rented place in Sydney's Campsie area, where police later found more guns.
Past Concerns About Naveed
Australia's intelligence agency, ASIO, looked into Naveed Akram in 2019 because they were worried about who he was spending time with. However, at that time, they did not think he was an immediate danger.
Prime Minister Albanese said that this was not a failure of intelligence.
Aftermath and Response
Bondi Beach was still a crime scene on Tuesday as police continued their detailed investigation. Officials expect the area to open again by Wednesday afternoon.
This attack has caused new discussions about gun laws in Australia. The Prime Minister has suggested making gun rules even stricter, even though Australia already has very strict gun control.
Flags all over Australia were lowered halfway to show respect for the victims. The country is mourning this sad event that ruined a happy gathering at one of its most famous public places.
