Australia has witnessed one of its worst cases of mass shootings in years following a targeted attack against the Jewish community in Sydney, near Bondi Beach, on Sunday, December 14. The attack occurred at approximately 6:47 pm local time during a Hanukkah celebration, resulting in at least 15 deaths, including a 10-year-old child. The police later named the two shooters as father and son Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram.
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Who is Sajid Akram?
Sajid Akram lived in Bonnyrigg, a suburb in Sydney's southwest, and at the time of his death, he was 50 years old. He is described to have lived a normal life as a fruit vendor until this incident occurred, with nothing else being reported by the authorities other than his residence and profession.
Akram was killed when police opened fire on him at the scene during the police response to the attack to control the situation. No other shooters were involved in this attack, according to police.
Legally licensed firearm owner
As per a report by Free Press Journal, Mal Lanyon, Commissioner of police in the state of New South Wales police, indicated that Sajid Akram was a lawfully licensed gun owner with a gun license since 2015. He had a Category AB firearm license, which allowed him to own long-arm guns.
Who is Naveed Akram?
Additionally, Naveed Akram, a son of Sajid, at the age of 24 years, was arrested during the incident and is in a critical but stable state with a police guard. He is expected to survive and will appear before the law when fit to do so. As per his mother’s statements, he has not worked since being laid off and is a student at the Al-Murad Institute in Heckenberg.
The report also states that the police have, however, confirmed that Akram fulfilled all eligibility requirements stipulated in existing gun laws. Akram was a member of a gun club, which automatically qualified him to possess and handle weapons in his name.
Also Read | Who is Naveed Akram? What we know about the Bondi Beach shooting suspect
Arms and investigation
According to the report by Free Press Journal, Akram had six registered weapons with him when he went to Bondi Beach for the attack. The weapons were all legally obtained and registered. After this incidence, police raided the family residence in Bonnyrigg and a short-term rental in Campsie. Explosive devices were discovered in a car associated with the terrorists at the scene.
Commissioner Lanyon stated that there had been no warning or intelligence of an imminent attack.
