Background on the Attackers and Victims
Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, carried out a shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday afternoon, resulting in 15 deaths and over 40 injuries. The incident occurred as approximately 1,000 people gathered on the beach to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
Authorities’ Initial Assessment
The Australian authorities have classified the attack as an antisemitic act of terrorism, though they have not yet delved deeply into the motives behind it.
Prime Minister’s Statement
On Tuesday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese provided crucial insights into the attackers’ potential motivations. He stated that Sajid Akram and Naveed had been radicalized prior to committing the mass killing.
“It appears that this was motivated by the ideology of the Islamic State,” Albanese said.
He further explained, “This ideology, which has existed for over a decade, led to this hate-driven ideology and, in this case, a willingness to participate in mass killing.”
Previous Contacts with Authorities
Albanese mentioned that Naveed Akram had drawn the attention of Australia’s intelligence agency in 2019 due to his associations with other individuals. Although these associates were later charged and imprisoned, Naveed was not regarded as an immediate threat at that time.
Details of the Attack
The attackers positioned themselves on a boardwalk overlooking the crowded beach. Armed with long guns, they opened fire for about 10 minutes until police neutralized Sajid Akram. Naveed, who was critically injured during the incident, has been taken to a hospital under arrest.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who were the attackers? Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24.
- What was the target and location of the attack? The shooting took place at Bondi Beach in Sydney during a Hanukkah celebration, where around 1,000 people had gathered.
- What is the current status of the attackers? Sajid Akram was killed by police, while Naveed Akram is in custody at a hospital with severe injuries.
- What ideology may have motivated the attackers? According to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the attack appears to have been motivated by the ideology of the Islamic State.
- Were the attackers previously known to authorities? Naveed Akram had previously attracted the attention of Australian intelligence agencies in 2019 due to his associations with other individuals, though he was not considered an immediate threat at that time.
