Australia is reeling after the worst act of gun violence the country has seen in nearly three decades, as police confirmed that the two alleged gunmen in Sunday’s Jewish festival massacre at Sydney’s Bondi Beach were a father and son. This devastating attack claimed 15 lives, sending shockwaves across the nation.
During a press conference on Monday, authorities provided grim updates. The father, identified by state broadcaster ABC and other local news outlets, as 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was killed at the scene. His death brings the total number of fatalities to 16. His 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, remains hospitalized in a critical condition.
Officials have been clear in their assessment, characterizing Sunday’s bloodshed as a targeted, antisemitic attack.
The violence unfolded quickly at the popular beach, which was crowded on a warm evening. Witnesses recounted a terrifying 10-minute spree that scattered hundreds of people across the sand and into adjacent streets. Approximately 1,000 people were attending the targeted Hanukkah event, which took place in a small park just off the beach.
Among the victims were individuals aged from 10 to 87. Beyond the confirmed deaths, forty people are still receiving medical care in the hospital, including two police officers who are reported to be in a serious but stable condition.
While police refrained from officially naming the shooters, they did reveal details about the father’s background: he had held a firearms license since 2015 and legally owned six licensed weapons. Home Minister Tony Burke confirmed that the father arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998, while the son is an Australian citizen by birth. Though specific firearm details were not released by police, videos from the scene showed the men discharging what appeared to be a bolt-action rifle and a shotgun.
Amid the despair, a story of incredible bravery has emerged. A bystander who tackled and disarmed one of the armed men during the attack is being universally praised as a hero whose quick action undoubtedly saved lives. He was named by 7News Australia as 43-year-old Ahmed al Ahmed, a fruit shop owner, according to a relative. Tragically, Mr. al Ahmed was shot twice and has since undergone surgery. A fundraising page established for the man had already surpassed A$350,000 (about US$233,000) by Monday afternoon, a testament to the community’s gratitude for his selflessness.
