Mumbai, December 15: Australian authorities have identified a father and son as the suspected attackers behind the horrific terror incident at Sydney’s world-famous Bondi Beach, an assault that has claimed at least 15 lives and left the nation reeling. The suspects have been named as Sajid Akram, 50, who was killed at the scene, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, who remains in hospital in critical but stable condition. The father-son duo are of Pakistani origin.

The identification of Sajid and Naveed Akram marks a crucial breakthrough in the investigation into the shocking violence that unfolded at one of Australia’s most iconic tourist destinations. Police officials confirmed that Sajid Akram was shot dead by officers who rushed to the scene after reports of gunfire. His son Naveed Akram sustained serious injuries during the confrontation with police and was subsequently apprehended.

Naveed is currently receiving medical treatment under heavy police guard at a Sydney hospital. Authorities have indicated that he will be formally questioned once doctors confirm he is fit to be interviewed. He is an Australian-born citizen, according to Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. Sajid was in Australia on a tourist visa. Bondi Beach Shooting: Man Who Disarmed One of the Sydney Attackers Identified As Ahmed Al Ahmed; Being Hailed as Hero (Watch Video).

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon on Bondi Beach Shooting Suspects

Background Details Still Emerging

While investigators have confirmed the identities of the suspects, many questions about their background remain unanswered. Officials have noted their reported Pakistani origin but have not disclosed further details about their residency status in Australia or how long they had been living in the country. Police have urged the public not to speculate as inquiries continue.

The investigation is now focused on retracing the pair’s movements in the lead-up to the attack, examining their communications, and determining whether they acted alone or received assistance from others.

Motive Still Unclear

One of the central goals of the investigation is to determine the motive behind the attack. Although officials have formally classified the incident as a terror attack, they have not yet linked the suspects to any specific extremist organisation or ideology. Bondi Beach Shooting: PM Narendra Modi Condemns Terror Attack in Australia’s Sydney, Expresses India’s Support for Fight Against Terrorism.

Interrogating Naveed Akram, once his condition stabilises, is expected to play a key role in answering these questions. Police are also actively exploring whether there are any wider networks or collaborators connected to the incident.

Chaos Erupts at Sydney’s Iconic Beach

The attack occurred on a busy day at Bondi Beach, a popular coastal hotspot packed with locals and tourists enjoying the sunshine. Eyewitnesses described scenes of sheer panic as gunmen opened fire on unsuspecting crowds, triggering stampedes as people ran for cover.

Emergency services responded swiftly, with armed police confronting the attackers and paramedics providing urgent medical assistance to the injured. The sound of sirens and helicopters filled the air as the scale of the tragedy became clear.

Lockdown and Rising Casualties

Following the attack, the entire area was placed under immediate lockdown. Thousands of people were evacuated as authorities established a massive police presence to secure the scene. The death toll has since climbed to at least 16, with victims including both Australian citizens and international visitors, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence.

Several others suffered serious injuries and are being treated at hospitals across Sydney. Mental health professionals have also been deployed, with officials acknowledging that the psychological trauma experienced by survivors and witnesses may have long-lasting effects.

Joint Counter-Terrorism Investigation Underway

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and New South Wales Police are jointly leading a large-scale counter-terrorism investigation into the Bondi Beach attack. Forensic teams are meticulously combing through the crime scene, while investigators review extensive CCTV footage from the beach and surrounding areas.

Authorities are also focusing on the weapons used in the attack, attempting to trace their origin and establish how they were acquired. Every piece of evidence is being examined to build a comprehensive picture of what happened.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 15, 2025 10:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).