Reported by Suprovat Sydney: One of the two men suspected of carrying out the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday was originally from southern India, according to preliminary information provided to the media.
Police sources confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, who died at the scene, was born in Hyderabad, in the Indian state of Telangana, and was an Indian passport holder. He migrated to Australia in 1998 and had travelled back to India only six times since then. Indian authorities stated that his family had no prior knowledge of any extremist beliefs or activities.
Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, are suspected of killing 15 people and injuring dozens more during an event marking the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
Authorities are now investigating the motive behind the attack, including the pair’s recent travel to the Philippines, where they stayed between 1 November and 28 November, according to the country’s immigration bureau.
It is understood that Naveed Akram had previously come to the attention of Australian authorities in 2019, reportedly due to associations with individuals under investigation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that Naveed was known to authorities “on the basis of being associated with others,” though no charges had been laid at that time.
The Australian Government has stated it is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness, particularly in relation to national security and the prevention of extremism. Officials have emphasised that terrorism must never be linked to any single nationality, religion, or community, and that investigations will focus strictly on individuals and evidence.
Australia is a peaceful land on Gadigal Country, where people of all faiths and backgrounds have the right to live and practise their beliefs freely. Terrorism has no religion. Extremism is an ideology of violence, not a faith. Muslim communities across Australia continue to strongly reject terrorism and extremism in all forms.
Community leaders have called on governments to adopt stronger prevention strategies, including education, early intervention, and responsible use of social media, where radicalisation can occur gradually and emotionally over time.
A Hero in the Face of Terror
Amid the tragedy, Australians have united in gratitude for Ahmed Fatih Al Ahmed, a 43-year-old man who bravely intervened during the attack. Risking his own life, he ran towards danger and disarmed one of the gunmen before being shot multiple times in the shoulder.
Ahmed underwent surgery at St George Hospital and is recovering. Footage of his courageous actions has been broadcast worldwide and viewed more than 22 million times on social media.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Ahmed in hospital and praised his extraordinary bravery, saying:
“Ahmed, you are an Australian hero.
You put yourself at risk to save others, running towards danger and disarming a terrorist.
In the worst of times, we see the best of Australians.”
Ahmed later said he deeply appreciated the support shown by people across the nation.
His actions stand as a powerful reminder that humanity, courage, and compassion transcend all differences. Violence against innocent people has no justification moral, religious, or political.
We recall another tragic incident at Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre, when terror Joel Cauchi entered the premises armed with a knife during the final days of the school holidays a particularly busy period for the centre. On Saturday, 13 April 2024, the 40-year-old attacker stabbed and killed six innocent people and injured a further twelve.
The victims who lost their lives were Dawn Singleton, Jade Young, Yixuan Cheng, Ashlee Good, Faraz Tahir, and Pikria Darchia. Five of them died at the scene, and one later succumbed to injuries in hospital.
We do not tolerate any form of racism or hatred in this civilised country. Racism can ignite anger, and unchecked anger can drive individuals to commit irrational and violent acts. Following the Bondi incident, a Bangladeshi gentleman living in North Sydney reported that his young family had been threatened. He stated that their only “fault” was being Muslim. This deeply disturbing incident was reported to NSW Police on 17 December 2025 at Dee Why Police Station.
We must stand firmly against Islamophobia, which harms the global Muslim community, just as all forms of hatred harm humanity. At the same time, opposition to political Zionism should never be confused with hatred toward Jewish people—peace requires justice, not division.
The Australian Government must also remain vigilant and take such matters seriously to ensure the safety of all communities.
Australia mourns the victims, honours the heroes, and remains united against hatred and extremism in all its forms. We strongly condemn all acts of terrorism and violence against innocent, unarmed people. We stand firmly with all victims and uphold the right of every individual to live peacefully in this country, with dignity and equality, regardless of background or belief.