SYDNEY: New South Wales Police have identified the two suspects involved in the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach as a father and son, releasing details during a press conference on the incident.
According to police, the shooting occurred during a Jewish community event at Bondi Beach. One of the attackers was killed during the police response, while the second suspect sustained critical injuries and remains hospitalized.
The NSW Police Commissioner confirmed that the deceased suspect has been identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram, while the injured suspect is his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram. Police stated that Sajid Akram had held a firearms licence for the past 10 years and was also a member of a gun club.
Authorities recovered six firearms from the deceased suspect. Investigations are under way to determine which of the recovered weapons were used in the attack.
Police further revealed that two active improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found near the crime scene and were safely secured by bomb disposal units.
Officials have ruled out the involvement of additional suspects but said investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind what is being treated as a terrorist attack.
The police commissioner added that the father and son had been residing in Australia for a considerable period, though further details about their background could not be disclosed at this stage.
Meanwhile, the Australian government has announced a national day of mourning, with flags to be flown at half-mast on all government buildings.
It is worth noting that the attack resulted in 16 people being killed and 40 others injured. One attacker was shot dead by police, while the second was taken into custody in an injured condition.
