One of the gunmen involved in the horrific mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach has now been identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram, marking a key development in the rapidly expanding investigation into one of Australia’s deadliest terror attacks in recent times. Police teams launched an immediate raid on Akram’s residence in Bonnyrigg, Sydney, as authorities work to uncover possible networks, planning details, and the broader motive behind the attack.
The shooting erupted on Sunday evening during Chanukah by the Sea, a large public Hanukkah celebration that had drawn families, children, and community members to the Bondi beachfront. As the festivities were underway, gunfire suddenly broke out, sending crowds running from the beach and nearby streets in panic. Witnesses described scenes of terror as people scrambled for shelter while shots echoed across Campbell Parade.
New South Wales Police confirmed that 12 people were killed in the attack, including one of the gunmen. The second attacker was apprehended alive and remains in custody. According to police, both assailants were “neutralised,” and at least one rifle was recovered at the scene.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the attackers exited a vehicle near the Bondi Pavilion at around 6:40 pm before opening fire on the crowd. Video footage circulating online appears to show two armed individuals dressed in black shooting near the beach as frightened spectators fled. Emergency sirens soon filled the area as ambulances and police units rushed to the site.
In the midst of the chaos, dramatic footage captured a bystander tackling one of the shooters. The individual managed to wrest the rifle from the attacker and attempted to turn it against him—an act of extraordinary bravery that may have saved numerous lives. Separate videos also appeared to show a second gunman firing from an elevated suspended walkway overlooking the beach.
NSW Police described the situation as a “developing incident” and immediately warned the public to avoid the area. In a statement posted on X, authorities urged anyone nearby to take shelter while emergency teams secured the scene and searched for potential additional threats.
The investigation continues to unfold as Australia grapples with the shock of the attack and authorities prepare to release further information on the assailants and their possible motives.
