SYDNEY, AU. (THECOUNT) — Australian authorities have identified 24-year-old Naveed Akram as one of the gunmen involved in a mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach that left at least 12 people dead, according to officials and local media reports.
The shooting occurred Sunday during an event known as “Chanukah by the Sea,” which was being held to mark the beginning of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Authorities said hundreds of people — with estimates ranging from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 attendees — were gathered along the beachfront when gunfire erupted.
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Investigators said Akram, along with at least one other suspect, allegedly opened fire on the crowd. Local media reports indicate that more than 50 shots were fired, triggering panic as attendees fled the area or sought shelter inside nearby buildings.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, and multiple victims were transported to hospitals across the Sydney area. Officials have confirmed that at least 12 people were killed. The number of injured victims has not yet been fully confirmed by authorities.
Sky News has obtained footage of the gunmen around Bondi Beach during the terror attack.
One of the gunmen has been named as 24-year-old Naveed Akram. pic.twitter.com/XDU83ZuAhx
— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 14, 2025
Australian law enforcement agencies, including counter-terrorism units, are actively investigating the incident. Authorities have stated that a possible terror-related motive is being examined due to the nature and location of the event, though no definitive determination has been made at this time.
As part of the ongoing investigation, security agencies executed search warrants at Akram’s residence in Bonnyrigg, a suburb in south-west Sydney. According to sources familiar with the investigation, authorities are reviewing potential evidence related to online activity, communications, and any materials that could indicate ideological or extremist motivations.
Officials have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that further details will be released once they are verified. Law enforcement has not yet confirmed whether Akram acted alone or whether additional suspects may be involved.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information related to the shooting to contact police as the investigation progresses.
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