Bondi Beach Shooting: Who were Sajid and Naveed Akram, the father-son duo identified as gunmen

Australia – Australian police on Monday confirmed the identities of the two men behind the deadly Bondi Beach shooting. Authorities named them as a father and son, Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24. Police said the pair acted alone and carried out the attack together.

During a morning press conference, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon addressed growing speculation around the case. He stated clearly that investigators found no evidence of a third attacker. As a result, police called off the wider manhunt that followed the shooting.

Soon after, law enforcement sources briefed Australian media outlets. They identified the younger suspect as Naveed Akram. Officials confirmed that police detained him at the scene and rushed him to hospital. He remains under police guard. Doctors listed his condition as critical but stable.

Meanwhile, police confirmed that the second gunman, Sajid Akram, died at the scene. Officers shot him during the confrontation. Emergency teams pronounced him dead shortly after. Investigators later revealed that Sajid ran a small fruit shop and lived a quiet life before the attack.

According to police, the two men had misled their family before the shooting. They told relatives they planned a weekend fishing trip to Jervis Bay. Instead, they travelled to Sydney and carried out the attack. Investigators now believe the planning happened over a short period, although they continue to examine digital and financial records.

The shooting took place on Sunday at Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most crowded public spaces. On that day, locals and tourists gathered for “Hanukkah by the Sea,” a community event near the shoreline. As celebrations continued, the two men opened fire on the crowd.

Initially, authorities reported 12 deaths, including one of the attackers. However, as hospitals updated casualty figures, the toll rose sharply. By Monday, officials confirmed that 16 people had died. Victims included a 10-year-old child and an 87-year-old man, highlighting the wide human cost of the attack.

This incident now stands as Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in three decades. Therefore, it has reopened national debate on public safety, emergency response, and early threat detection. Political leaders across the country offered condolences and praised first responders for their swift action.

Police officers reached the scene within minutes. They exchanged fire with the attackers and evacuated hundreds of people. Paramedics treated the wounded along the beachfront before transferring them to nearby hospitals. Doctors continue to treat several victims for gunshot injuries.

Meanwhile, investigators have tightened security across Sydney. Authorities increased police presence at beaches, religious sites, and major public events. Officials urged residents to stay alert but asked them to avoid spreading rumours online.

So far, police have not disclosed a clear motive. Investigators continue to question associates and review surveillance footage. They have also appealed to the public for videos and photos taken near the beach at the time of the shooting.

As the city mourns, tributes continue to appear along Bondi Beach. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes line the promenade. For now, Australia confronts grief, shock, and difficult questions, while authorities push forward to piece together how a father and son carried out one of the nation’s most devastating attacks.