SYDENEY: Australian authorities have identified the alleged gunman responsible for the deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on the evening of December 14 as Naveed Akram, 24, a resident of Bonnyrigg in the city’s south-west. The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration attended by members of the Jewish community, has left at least 11 people dead and over 25 injured, making it one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent Australian history.
A senior law enforcement official confirmed Akram’s identity after his driver’s licence was recovered from the crime scene. Police said the licence listed his address as Bonnyrigg, where officers have since launched a search operation as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials confirmed that the property has been in possession of Akram’s family for approximately one year.
According to police, Akram was shot during the operation and taken into custody. He is currently receiving medical treatment under police supervision. Authorities have not yet confirmed his motive, nor have they officially established his nationality, although online speculation regarding his Pakistani origin has circulated widely on social media.
Preliminary information indicates that Akram had studied at Central Queensland University in Sydney, Hamdard University in Islamabad, and Al Murad Institute in Sydney. Reports suggest he was employed as a bricklayer but had recently lost his job.
The shooting took place during a Hanukkah gathering, where members of the Jewish community had assembled to light the Menorah at sundown. Among those killed was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a Chabad emissary who was attending the event. Jewish leaders described the attack as devastating and deeply traumatic.
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said the gathering was meant to be a joyful celebration. “This was the Jewish community coming together to celebrate a happy occasion,” he told Sky News. “If this were a deliberate attack, it’s beyond anything we could have imagined.” He also confirmed that his media adviser was injured in the shooting.
Adding to the gravity of the incident, police recovered a bomb from a vehicle at the scene, prompting heightened security alerts across Sydney. Bomb disposal units were immediately deployed to secure the area.
Reacting to the attack, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the scenes at the popular beach as “shocking and distressing.” He said, “Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives.”
Authorities confirmed that the police operation remains ongoing, with security forces deployed across the area. New South Wales Police advised “anyone at the scene” to take shelter in a post on social media, urging the public to avoid the beach and surrounding areas.
Videos circulating on X appeared to show people scattering across Bondi Beach as multiple gunshots and police sirens could be heard. The footage could not be verified immediately.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Albanese said, “We are aware of an active security situation in Bondi. We urge people in the vicinity to follow information from NSW Police.”
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that there were multiple shots fired at the famed beach, though details about casualties were initially unclear as authorities continued to assess the situation.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that occurred at the start of Chanukah, calling it abhorrent and rejecting terrorism, antisemitism, violence and hate in all forms.
In a post on X, Wong said, “The terror attack at Bondi at the start of Chanukah is abhorrent. Terrorism, antisemitism, violence and hate have no place in Australia.”
Expressing condolences, the Foreign Minister said, “My deepest condolences are with those who have lost loved ones tonight.” She also conveyed hope for the injured, adding, “We hope for the full recovery of all injured and we stand in solidarity with the Australian Jewish community.”
Wong also acknowledged the rescue efforts, thanking those who acted in the aftermath. “Thank you to the emergency services and to the everyday Australians who showed courage in the face of such terror,” she said.
PM Modi condemns “ghastly” terror attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday strongly condemned the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Australia that targeted people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and solidarity with the Australian people. In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.”
Extending condolences on behalf of India, he added, “On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.”
Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 14, 2025
Reiterating India’s support for Australia, the Prime Minister said, “We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief.”
He also underlined India’s position on terrorism, stating, “India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and supports the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism.”
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Condemn in the strongest terms the terror attack on Hanukkah celebrations in Bondi beach, Australia. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
The reactions from Indian leaders came as details emerged about the scale of the attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where more than 1,000 people had gathered to celebrate Hanukkah when the shooting occurred.
