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Saturday 11/04/2026

Bondi Beach Shooting: Father and Son Linked to Deadly Attack on Jewish Festival

Father and son mourning after Hanukkah shooting at Bondi Beach
Sofia RomanoSofia Romano

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Sajid Akram, originally from Hyderabad, India, and his son Naveed are suspected in the Bondi Beach shooting that killed 15 people.
  • The attack targeted a Jewish festival event, marking Australia's worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years.
  • Naveed Akram, who was hospitalized after being shot by police, is expected to face charges soon.
  • The pair allegedly traveled to the Philippines for military-style training before the attack.
  • Sajid Akram's family in India was unaware of his radical mindset, and he had no criminal record there.

In a shocking turn of events, a father and son duo have been implicated in a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, which claimed the lives of 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration. Sajid Akram, 50, originally from Hyderabad, India, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed, are at the center of what is being investigated as a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community.

Background and Investigation

Sajid Akram, who died at the scene, had relocated to Australia in 1998. Despite his Indian origins, his family in Hyderabad was reportedly unaware of any radical inclinations. The Telangana police confirmed that Sajid had visited India six times for family matters but had no criminal record or known ties to extremist activities in the region.

Naveed Akram, who survived the police response and was hospitalized, has now regained consciousness. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon indicated that legal proceedings are underway, and charges are expected imminently. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted that Naveed had previously been on the authorities' radar due to associations with a Sydney-based IS cell.

Philippines Connection

Authorities are probing the duo's recent trip to the Philippines, where they allegedly received military-style training. The trip, spanning from November 1 to November 28, saw Sajid using an Indian passport and Naveed traveling on Australian identification. While reports suggest training links, officials have yet to confirm these claims.

Community Impact and Response

The attack, the deadliest in Australia in nearly three decades, has left the Jewish community in mourning. Vigils have been held, and the first funerals, including those of Rabbi Eli Schlanger and Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, took place on Wednesday. The incident has also left 22 people injured, with several in critical condition.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

As the investigation unfolds, the focus will likely remain on uncovering the motivations and potential networks behind the attack. The alleged link to military training in the Philippines could prompt international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. Legal proceedings against Naveed Akram will be closely watched, potentially setting precedents for handling similar cases in the future. The incident underscores the ongoing threat of radicalization and the need for vigilance in safeguarding multicultural communities.