On the evening of 14 December 2025, Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach became the site of one of Australia’s deadliest mass shootings in decades. The attack occurred during a Hanukkah celebration and left at least 15 people dead and dozens injured. In the immediate aftermath, questions circulated globally about the identity and origin of the assailants — particularly whether one of them was from India. This article examines what is currently known from verified sources and official statements, and what the ongoing investigations have revealed.
Overview of the Sydney Bondi Beach Attack
The mass shooting unfolded at Archer Park, adjacent to Bondi Beach, as hundreds gathered for a Jewish festival. Eyewitness footage and police reports indicate the attack lasted around ten minutes, during which two men opened fire on the crowd, resulting in a tragic toll of fatalities and injuries. Australian authorities quickly classified the event as a terror attack with a clear antisemitic motive, noting the presence of Islamic State-related symbols at the scene.
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Father and Son Identified
Police confirmed that the two suspects were a father and son duo. The elder man was shot and killed by responding officers at the scene, while the younger was critically wounded and hospitalized under guard. Authorities later released their names as Sajid Akram (50) and Naveed Akram (24). Both men had been firing at people attending the festival when confronted by police.
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Buy on AmazonAustralian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that the attack appeared to be motivated by extremist ideology and was inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS). Police found homemade ISIS flags in the suspects’ vehicle, along with improvised devices that failed to detonate.
Was the Attacker From India?
One of the key questions that emerged in global media and social discussions was whether the father, identified as Sajid Akram, was originally from India. Authorities in India — specifically the Telangana Police — released statements confirming that Sajid was indeed originally from Hyderabad, in southern India. He had migrated to Australia in 1998 on a student visa after completing his education, and later settled there permanently.
Sajid Akram’s Background
According to police statements:
- Sajid Akram completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Hyderabad before migrating to Australia in 1998.
- Despite living in Australia for nearly three decades, he maintained his Indian citizenship and passport, and had limited contact with his family back home.
- He married in Australia and raised two children there; his son Naveed was born in Australia and holds Australian citizenship.
- His family in India stated they did not know of any extremist mindset or motives relating to the attack.
Clarifications and Misconceptions
It is important to clarify that while Sajid Akram was Indian by origin and passport, there is no evidence to date linking his radicalisation to events or influences in India. Indian police emphasised that his upbringing and actions in Australia appeared to be isolated from his family’s knowledge and local ties.
Furthermore, some early social media claims suggested alternate national origins, but official investigations have not supported those assertions. Australian authorities and Indian police have pointed to a genuine Indian origin based on passport records.
Motive and Broader Investigation
Australian officials have described the shooting as an extremist act inspired by Islamic State ideology. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conveyed that investigators found evidence suggesting ideological motivation aligned with extremist hate, particularly targeting a Jewish community event.
In addition to forensic findings at the scene, police are examining the possibility that the suspects travelled recently to the Philippines before the shooting, where they may have encountered extremist environments or connections. However, these investigations are ongoing, and authorities have not publicly confirmed any definitive external terrorist training or direct organizational ties.
Security Responses and Aftermath
In the aftermath, Australian political leaders pledged to tighten gun laws and enhance community safety measures. The tragedy has prompted national conversations about terrorism, antisemitism, and surveillance of extremist behaviour. World leaders, including India’s Prime Minister, issued condemnations of the violence, reaffirming a global stance against terrorist actions.
Community Impact and Healing
The attack has deeply affected both the Sydney Jewish community and Australians at large. Memorials, vigils, and public support events have surged across the country as families mourn the lives lost — victims ranging from young children to elders.
Sources
- Wikipedia – 2025 Bondi Beach shooting
- AAJ English – Police confirm attacker originally from India
- Mid-Day – Suspect originally from Hyderabad
- Moneycontrol – Attack motivated by Islamic State ideology
- ABC11 – Police statement on terrorism