Further details have emerged regarding the mass terror attack at the Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday, December 14, 2025, clarifying the fate of the two assailants. The incident, which has now been officially declared a terrorist attack, has seen the death toll rise to 12 people, including one of the shooters.
Assailants’ Status and Identification
Australian media reports, citing security sources, have provided the identity of one of the gunmen and shed light on how the police neutralized the threat.
• Gunman Identified: One of the assailants was identified by Australian media as Naveed Akram, a migrant of Pakistani origin born in 2001. Police are currently conducting a raid on Akram’s home in Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s south-west.
• Drone Footage: Unverified reports suggest that drone footage captured the moment one of the terrorists was shot dead by police. This individual is presumed to be the one killed at the scene, which is likely Akram.
• Second Suspect: The other assailant, who was disarmed by an unarmed civilian passerby at the scene, is believed to be the individual who is currently in police custody in critical condition. The actions of the civilian who wrestled a shotgun from the shooter have been lauded as heroic by NSW Premier Chris Minns.
• Casualty Toll: The death toll is now confirmed at 12 people, including one of the attackers. A total of 29 people were injured and taken to hospital, including two police officers.
Context and Security
The NSW Police Commissioner officially declared the mass shooting a terrorist incident, citing the fact that the attack was a “targeted attack on Jewish Australians” during a religious festival.
• Motive: Witnesses reported hearing the shooters shout “Allahu Akbar” during the attack, confirming the ideological motivation.
• Continued Security: Law enforcement has significantly increased security around Jewish institutions and synagogues across Australia as investigations continue. Authorities are also investigating the potential for a third offender and are examining several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found in a car linked to the deceased offender.
