Reflecting the national mood, The Daily Telegraph, one of Australia’s largest newspapers, ran a stark front page on Monday bearing the words “You Bastards”, accompanied by an image linked to the attack. The paper described the shooting as one of the darkest days in Sydney’s history, capturing widespread public outrage over the targeting of civilians.
According to police, the attack occurred when two armed men opened fire from a bridge near Bondi Beach, where members of the Jewish community were celebrating Hanukkah, a major religious festival. Witnesses described scenes of panic as people fled for cover amid sustained gunfire.
Authorities said 50-year-old Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene, while his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, was critically injured and is under guard in hospital. Investigators are examining whether the pair acted alone and what motivated the assault.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Sajid Akram arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa, later transitioned to a partner visa after marrying an Australian citizen, and was living on a resident return visa. His son Naveed, born in Sydney in 2001, is an Australian citizen. Police confirmed Sajid legally owned multiple firearms and held a valid gun licence, primarily for hunting, raising fresh questions about vetting and monitoring.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the weapon used was legally owned but stressed that licensing alone does not explain the radicalisation or intent behind the attack. Security agencies are reviewing past assessments, including reports that Naveed Akram had come to the attention of intelligence officials in 2019, though no imminent threat was identified at the time.
As investigators work to establish motive, political and community leaders have urged restraint amid speculation on social media about the attackers’ background. Police have said any conclusions on origin or ideology will be based strictly on evidence.
The attack has drawn condemnation from leaders worldwide. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it an act of “hatred and terror” and paid tribute to the victims at a memorial near Bondi Pavilion. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and US President Donald Trump also expressed solidarity with Australia and the Jewish community.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the Australian government of failing to curb rising anti-Semitism, citing earlier warnings. Australian officials rejected suggestions of policy culpability, stating that responsibility lies solely with the perpetrators.
Amid the violence, acts of bravery emerged. An elderly bystander, Ahmed, was filmed confronting one of the attackers and disarming him, a move police say likely saved lives. Ahmed was injured during the incident and remains hospitalised.
Australia, known for strict gun laws enacted after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, rarely witnesses mass shootings. The Bondi Beach attack has reignited debate over extremist violence, community safety, and intelligence gaps, as authorities continue investigations and the nation mourns its dead.
