One of the alleged gunmen in the deadly Bondi Beach attacks in Sydney, Australia, has been identified as Naveed Akram, a resident of Bonnyrigg in the city’s south-west, according to a senior law enforcement official. Police raided his home on Sunday evening as part of the investigation.
The attacks occurred during the first night of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival, at a celebration near Bondi Beach. At least 12 people were killed, including one of the shooters, and 29 others were injured, among them two police officers. NSW Police confirmed that one gunman was killed at the scene, while the other was critically injured and taken into custody. It is not yet clear which of the two attackers is Naveed Akram.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon noted that one of the shooters was known to authorities but had “very, very little knowledge to the police,” suggesting he was not previously on law enforcement’s radar.
The attack has been declared a terrorist incident by NSW Police. NSW Premier Chris Minns said the shooting was aimed at targeting Sydney’s Jewish community. Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed that one Israeli citizen was among those killed.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened a national security meeting, calling the event a “devastating terrorist incident.” Following the attack, Australia’s terror threat level remains at “probable”, meaning the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) considers there is a 50% chance of another terror attack occurring.
