Tragic Shooting at Bondi Beach During Hanukkah Celebration
Dec, 14 2025
Commissioner Lanyon emphasized the necessity of allowing law enforcement to perform their duties without public calls for retribution, noting that Akram had not previously been known to police. The attack has been described as a targeted assault on Sydney's Jewish community, with Premier Chris Minns confirming the death toll.
Naveed Akram, originally from Lahore, Pakistan, was reportedly a student at Sydney's al-Murad Institute. During the attack, one of the gunmen was killed at the scene, while Akram was hospitalized in critical condition. Authorities are exploring the possibility of additional suspects or accomplices.
The police have classified the incident as a terrorist attack, particularly following the discovery of improvised explosive devices in a vehicle at the scene. Commissioner Lanyon acknowledged the bravery of a bystander who intervened during the attack, managing to disarm one of the shooters. However, Akram allegedly continued to fire after fleeing the initial confrontation. Details regarding the firearms used in the attack have not been disclosed, although they have been confirmed as long arms.