New information has come to light regarding the gunman responsible for the deadly terror attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, which claimed 15 lives and left 40 injured.
Profile of a Terrorist
The first clear photograph of Sajid Akram, 50, has been released one week after the atrocity. Akram, alongside his 24-year-old son Naveed, opened fire on a Jewish Hanukkah celebration last Sunday night in an attack authorities say was inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS).
Police have revealed that Akram was originally from Hyderabad, India, a major hub for technology and pharmaceuticals. He held a Bachelor of Commerce degree and first arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998. His immigration status later changed to a partner visa following his marriage to Venera, Naveed's mother.
Despite making six trips back to India over the years, including one in 2022 for family and property matters, Akram did not return for his father's funeral in 2017. Crucially, Indian police have stated his family had no knowledge of his radical mindset or the circumstances that led to his extremism.
Aftermath and Investigation
Akram was shot dead by police at the scene. His son, Naveed, who was critically injured, has since woken from a coma and now faces 59 criminal charges, including 15 counts of murder.
The investigation has taken an international turn, with Australian authorities probing a trip the father and son took to the Philippines prior to the attack. Philippine immigration records confirm the pair entered the country on November 1, with their last known destination being Davao City on Mindanao island, a region with a historical association with IS activity.
Political Fallout and Memorial
The tragedy has sparked significant political reaction. During a visit to a memorial at the beach, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was booed and jeered by sections of the crowd, with one person heard shouting "you've got blood on your hands." The Prime Minister appeared visibly shaken by the reception but has vowed to continue the investigation, maintaining contact with Indian officials.
As tributes continue to be laid for the victims, including 10-year-old Matilda, the probe into the radicalisation pathway of Sajid Akram and the full scope of the attack's planning continues.
