Two gunmen who killed at least 16 people at a Jewish celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach were a father and son. This was the deadliest shooting in Australia in almost thirty years, in a country with strict gun control laws.
Police shot the father involved in Bondi Beach shooting
One gunman, 50-year-old Sajid Akram shot dead by police. His 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, was wounded and treated at a hospital, according to Mal Lanyon, New South Wales police commissioner.
Witnesses said the attack lasted about ten minutes, sending hundreds of people scattering along the sand and into nearby streets. Police estimated that around 1,000 people attended the targeted Hanukkah event, which took place in a small park off the beach.
According to authorities, emergency services called at about 6:45 p.m. after reports of gunfire. Video from onlookers showed people in bathing suits running from the water as shots rang out. Separate footage showed two men in black shirts firing long guns from a footbridge leading to the beach.
Police suspects Pakistani Link to shooting
The two are likely of Pakistani origin, citing US intelligence officials briefed on the investigation. A picture of Akram’s New South Wales driver’s licence is going viral on social media, where he appears to be wearing a green shirt that looks like a Pakistani cricket team jersey.
The violence broke out at the end of a summer day when thousands had gathered at Bondi Beach, an iconic spot in Australia’s cultural life. Many were there for the Chanukah by the Sea event, which celebrated the start of the eight-day Hanukkah festival.
Read also: Salman Khan Host BB19 Success Party, Farrhana Khan Steal the Show