Authorities have identified two suspected gunmen involved in a tragic shooting during a Hanukkah celebration in Australia, which resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals and left numerous others injured. The suspects are a father and son, with the younger man previously investigated for alleged connections to an ISIS cell in Sydney. On Tuesday afternoon local time, officials confirmed the recovery of two homemade ISIS flags from a vehicle associated with the younger suspect.
Australia’s federal police commissioner, Krissy Barrett, labeled the incident as “a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State.” The 50-year-old father, named Sajid Akram, was fatally shot by police, while his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, remains in a coma in a hospital, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon noted that the younger suspect may face criminal charges depending on his medical condition, although details were not disclosed. Naveed Akram has been identified by U.S. intelligence officials, and authorities confirmed that he is a licensed gun owner. Initially thought to be a Pakistani national, Australian authorities later clarified that he was born in Australia. The country of origin for the father remains unconfirmed.
During a press conference, Lanyon revealed that both suspects had traveled to the Philippines last month, with the purpose and location of their trip now under investigation. Six licensed firearms belonging to the father were recovered at the shooting scene. Although the father’s gun license had lapsed in 2016, he had successfully applied for a new one in 2020, which was issued in 2023, allowing him to possess firearms legally at the time of the incident. He met the criteria for a recreational hunting license and was a member of a gun club, Lanyon stated.
In addition to the ISIS flags, improvised explosive devices were also found in Naveed Akram’s vehicle. Lanyon emphasized the importance of understanding the motives behind this attack as part of the ongoing investigation.
Prime Minister Albanese confirmed that the younger suspect had been under investigation by the Australian Security Intelligence Agency (ASIO) for approximately six months in 2019. Reports indicate that ASIO was examining potential links between Naveed Akram and a group associated with the ISIS terrorist organization in Sydney. Albanese noted that the focus was on individuals linked to the son rather than on him directly, and it was concluded that there was no indication of an ongoing threat from him.
Initially, Australian police sought a possible third suspect but later confirmed that this was no longer the case. The shooting occurred during a gathering of over 1,000 people at Bondi Beach in Sydney, with Prime Minister Albanese stating that the assailants were “deliberately targeting the Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah.” At least 40 individuals sustained injuries in the attack, including two police officers and three children.
Among the injured was 43-year-old fruit seller Ahmed al Ahmed, who was shot while attempting to confront one of the gunmen and wrest the weapon away. Footage shared on social media captures al Ahmed’s brave actions as he tackled one of the suspects and disarmed him. President Trump commended al Ahmed’s heroism, stating that his actions “saved a lot of lives.”
This report has been updated to reflect Australian authorities’ clarification regarding the younger suspect’s nationality and the ongoing investigation into the father’s background.
