Father and Son Accused in Bondi Beach Terror Attack Reportedly of Pakistani Origin

The deadly shooting that unfolded during a public Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach has now been officially designated a terrorist attack by New South Wales Police, underscoring the gravity of one of the deadliest acts of violence in Australia in recent years.

According to a report by CBS News, citing US intelligence officials briefed on the matter, the two gunmen involved in the attack were a father and his son, both reportedly from Pakistan. Australian authorities have not publicly confirmed their country of origin but have verified key operational details of the incident.

The 50-year-old father was shot dead by police at the scene after opening fire on civilians. His 24-year-old son was taken to a nearby hospital under heavy police guard and remains in critical condition. Authorities have confirmed that he is under continuous police supervision.

Police have stated that the attack specifically targeted members of Sydney’s Jewish community who had gathered for “Chanukah by the Sea,” a well-attended public celebration marking the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The festive atmosphere quickly turned into chaos as gunfire rang out, sending people fleeing across the beach and surrounding streets.

Initial police confirmations indicated that 16 people were killed during the attack, including one of the perpetrators. The second suspect survived and was taken into custody. law enforcement officials have emphasized that there is no evidence of additional attackers being involved.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said on Monday that the investigation had “progressed significantly” overnight, allowing authorities to confirm crucial details regarding the suspects, weapons, and sequence of events.

“At this stage, we are not looking for any other offenders,” Commissioner Lanyon said, adding that police were confident the incident involved only the two identified attackers.

In a disturbing development, police also discovered two active improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near the scene of the attack. Specialized bomb disposal units were immediately deployed, and both devices were successfully rendered safe.

Licensed Firearms and Police Raids

As part of the ongoing counter-terrorism investigation, police executed two search warrants overnight at residential properties in Bonnyrigg and Campsie, suburbs in western Sydney. These locations were linked to the attackers, authorities said.

Commissioner Lanyon confirmed that the 50-year-old father was a licensed firearms holder and had legally registered six firearms in his name. Investigators believe those same weapons were used during the Bondi Beach attack.

“It is believed that all six registered firearms were involved in the offences committed at Bondi Beach,” Lanyon stated. He added that police would conduct a comprehensive review into how the firearms were stored, accessed, and ultimately used.

While Australian officials have not released the name of the father, the 24-year-old son has been identified in media reports as Naveed Akram. Authorities have declined to confirm further personal details at this stage, citing the sensitivity of the investigation.

Motive Under Investigation

The motive behind the attack remains under active investigation. Commissioner Lanyon declined to comment on unverified claims circulating online, including reports that an ISIS flag was found at the scene.

He also refused to speculate on whether the attackers were previously known to law enforcement agencies. However, he confirmed that the older suspect had held a gun licence for approximately a decade.

“We will examine the motivations behind this attack very carefully,” Lanyon said. “It is a critical part of the investigation, and we will not jump to conclusions until all facts are established.”

Two New South Wales Police officers were injured during the initial response after exchanging gunfire with the attackers. Both officers remain hospitalized but are reported to be in stable condition.

In light of the attack, police have significantly increased security around synagogues, Jewish schools, and other places of worship across New South Wales. Authorities have assured the public that heightened patrols and protective measures will remain in place in the coming days.

The Bondi Beach attack has sent shockwaves across Australia and the international community, reigniting discussions around extremism, gun licensing, and the protection of religious minorities. Investigators have emphasized that the inquiry is ongoing and that further verified details will be released as they become available.