At least 10 people, including children, lost their lives after gunmen opened fire at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 14, in one of the deadliest attacks Australia has witnessed in recent years. The shooting took place during “Chanukah by the Sea,” a public Hanukkah celebration that had attracted large crowds to the beachfront.
Witnesses reported that gunshots rang out across the beach and nearby streets while celebrations were underway, triggering widespread panic. People were seen fleeing the area as chaos unfolded across the crowded waterfront.
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Police have stated that two shooters, both dressed in black, opened fire at the location. One of the gunmen has been identified as Naveed Akram, while the second shooter was shot dead.
Who is Naveed Akram?
According to reports, one of the gunmen involved in the attack has been identified as Naveed Akram. He is a 24-year-old man from Bonnyrigg, located in Sydney’s south-west, as reported by the Daily Mail. As investigations continue, police have launched a raid at Akram’s residence in Bonnyrigg. The property, which has been owned by his family for about a year, is currently being searched by authorities.
Akram was shot during the incident and has since been arrested, according to reports.
The driver’s licence of the suspected terrorist has also been recovered, further aiding the investigation. Authorities have described the incident as a “terrorist attack” and are continuing to probe the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the motive and whether others were involved.
The incident has left Sydney shaken, with security measures tightened as investigations remain ongoing.