Sydney: Australian authorities have identified a Pakistani-origin man, Naveed Akram, as one of the key suspects in the deadly shooting that rocked Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach during a Jewish religious gathering, media reports said on Sunday.
According to ABC News, police carried out a late-evening raid at Akram’s residence in Bonnyrigg as part of an expanding counter-terror investigation. A senior law enforcement official confirmed that multiple leads are being pursued following the massacre.
The New South Wales (NSW) Police Force said at least 10 people, including one of the attackers, were killed when gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach while members of the Jewish community were observing Hanukkah. Eleven others sustained injuries, with one gunman reportedly in critical condition.
Some Australian media outlets have cited an unofficial death toll of 12, though authorities said these figures are yet to be formally verified.
“Terrorism has no religion”
10 dead, over 100 injured.
Name is Naveed Akram#bondibeach
Australia#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/90sVrFARHu— Ocean Jain 2.o (@jain4_ocean) December 14, 2025
Police have declared the incident a terror attack, sealing off the area and establishing a large exclusion zone. “A number of suspicious items found near the scene are being examined by specialist teams,” NSW Police said, adding that the crime scene remains active and investigations are ongoing.
The attack has triggered widespread outrage and international condemnation.
In a strong message of solidarity, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “On behalf of all Australians, we stand with the Jewish community.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns echoed the sentiment, warning of an uncompromising response. “This will be met with a massive and comprehensive police and public order operation. It is the responsibility of all Australians to support our Jewish community through this deeply distressing time,” he posted on X.
Global condemnation pours in
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz condemned the shooting, calling it a “heinous terrorist attack” and offering condolences to the victims’ families.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also strongly denounced the violence. “I condemn the ghastly terrorist attack at Bondi Beach targeting people celebrating the first day of Hanukkah. India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and stands in solidarity with Australia in this hour of grief,” he said on X.
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is a major Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. It symbolises faith, resilience and the triumph of religious freedom.
Investigations into the Bondi Beach terror attack continue, with authorities indicating more arrests and disclosures may follow.
