Father and son behind Sydney shooting that killed 16, injured 40: Australian police

Sidney (Web Desk): At least 16 people were killed and 40 others were injured, after a father and son opened fire on civilians during Jewish festival of Hanukkah on Sydney's Bondi Beach, police said.

The incident sent shockwaves across the city as emergency services rushed to the scene and authorities moved swiftly to secure the area.

Police said the two attackers were a 50-year-old man, Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram.

During the police response, Sajid Akram was killed, while Naveed Akram sustained critical injuries and was taken into custody under heavy security. Investigators confirmed that the attackers began firing indiscriminately at people attending the gathering, triggering panic and chaos along the crowded shoreline.

According to law enforcement officials, Sajid Akram had legally held a firearms licence for the past 10 years and was also a registered member of a gun club.

A total of six weapons were recovered from his possession, some of which are believed to have been used in the attack. Police are now examining how the weapons were transported to the site and whether there were any warning signs prior to the incident.

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation and said the shooting may be linked to terrorism, although the exact motive has not yet been established.

The situation intensified further when two active improvised explosive devices were discovered near the beach. Bomb disposal units safely secured the devices, preventing further loss of life.

In response to the tragedy, the Australian government has announced a nationwide day of mourning.

National flags will fly at half-mast on all government buildings as a mark of respect for the victims.

Separately, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived at Sydney’s Bondi Beach early Monday to pay tribute to the victims, placing flowers near the site where the attack took place. Around him, grieving citizens gathered quietly, with some mourners from the Jewish community wearing kippahs as they lit candles and arranged memorial displays in remembrance.

Before his visit, Albanese had described the incident as a “dark moment for our nation,” noting that law enforcement and security authorities were carrying out an in-depth investigation to establish the motive behind the violence.

Addressing the media, the prime minister said, “What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores in an iconic Australian location,” underscoring the severity and symbolism of the attack.

He went on to highlight the anguish felt by the Jewish community, saying, “The Jewish community are hurting today. Today, all Australians wrap our arms around them and say, we stand with you. We will do whatever is necessary to stamp out antisemitism. It is a scourge, and we will eradicate it together.”

Albanese also shared that international leaders had expressed their support in the aftermath of the tragedy, including US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, and he thanked them for standing with Australia during this difficult time.