Bondi Beach terror attack: Mass shooting suspects identified as father-son duo, here's all you need to know

A tragic shooting at a Hanukkah event in Sydney’s Bondi Beach has been classified as a "terrorist attack," targeting members of the local Jewish community. The gunmen behind the attack have been identified as a father and son, according to US intelligence sources briefed on the case.

The attack unfolded on Sunday evening at the 'Chanukah by the Sea' celebration, a popular public event. As gunfire erupted and chaos ensued, attendees fled the area in panic. Authorities later confirmed that 16 people were killed in the attack, including one of the assailants, while the second attacker, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, was apprehended by the police and taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Investigation Progresses

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon provided an update on the situation, stating that the investigation had made significant progress overnight. Authorities confirmed that the attack was carried out by two individuals and no additional suspects were involved. During the investigation, police discovered two active improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near the scene, which were safely defused by specialist bomb squads.

Commissioner Lanyon revealed that the 50-year-old attacker, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was a licensed firearms holder with six firearms registered in his name. These firearms are believed to have been used in the attack. Authorities have now launched a detailed investigation into how the weapons were obtained and accessed.

Police Search and Weapon Discovery

Overnight, police executed two search warrants at properties in the Sydney suburbs of Bonnyrigg and Campsie, believed to be connected to the attackers. While the name of the older assailant remains withheld, his son, Naveed Akram, has been identified. The younger man is under police guard while receiving medical treatment.

Motive Behind Remains Unclear

While police continue to probe the motives behind the attack, Commissioner Lanyon declined to comment on whether the attackers were previously known to authorities or on reports suggesting an ISIS flag was found at the scene. He stressed the importance of understanding the motives, but refrained from further speculation.

Additionally, two police officers were injured during the response to the shooting. They remain hospitalised after exchanging gunfire with the attackers at the scene. In response to the attack, authorities have pledged to maintain a heightened police presence at places of worship across Sydney in the coming days to ensure public safety.

The attack has shocked the Sydney community and raised concerns over security at public events, particularly during religious celebrations. Authorities continue to investigate the details of the attack as they work to uncover its full scope.