Police say a violent incident in Bondi claimed the life of a father who arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998 and left at least 16 people dead, while more than 40 others, including his son Naveed Akram, were injured.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon described the episode as a deliberate attack on the Jewish community. Naveed Akram, an Australian citizen, was taken to hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries and is expected to face charges.
The deceased father held a firearms licence that permitted ownership of certain shotguns and centre‑fire rifles at his Bonnyrigg residence, where police confirmed he was a member of a gun club. Despite a six‑month inquiry into his son’s extremist contacts, the licence was not revoked.
Law enforcement swarmed the family’s Bonnyrigg home and a short‑term rental in Campsie, uncovering several improvised explosive devices in a car on Campbell Parade that investigators linked to one of the shooters.
Prime Minister Albanese, who was criticized by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for an alleged soft stance on antisemitism, responded by calling for national unity. Former Port Arthur massacre survivor Walter Mikac expressed solidarity with the Jewish community, warning that the tragedy underscores the need for vigilance against hate and robust gun‑law protections.
NSW Premier Minns said law reform is “almost certainly” forthcoming and emphasized a zero‑tolerance approach to antisemitism, whether manifest in violence, chants, or online posts.
Legal scholar Maya Arguello Gomez of Swinburne University suggested that states may need to revisit what constitutes a “genuine reason” for individuals to amass large firearms collections in metropolitan areas, noting a possible complacency stemming from post‑Port Arthur amnesty policies.
Guns in Australia
- There are more than 4 million guns owned by civilians across Australia, up 25 per cent from 3.2 million guns in the lead‑up to the Port Arthur massacre and national gun reforms.
- NSW is home to the most licensed guns in the country, with 1,140,463 registered firearms, according to the NSW Firearms Registry.
- There are 259,107 gun licence holders in NSW. Of the registered guns in NSW, 34 per cent are to people living in major metropolitan cities of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.
- There are more than 260,000 illicit firearms in circulation in Australia, according to the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.
- The average firearms licence holder owns more than four guns, and two individuals in inner Sydney own 386 and 304 firearms respectively, according to the Australia Institute’s Gun Control in Australia report released in January. Owning that many guns is legal under firearms laws, except in Western Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people died in the Bondi attack?
The father who arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa died at the scene, bringing the death toll to at least 16.
How many were injured, and what is the condition of Naveed Akram?
At least 40 people were injured. Naveed Akram, an Australian citizen, was injured but is expected to recover and will face charges.
Was the father’s firearms licence revoked after the investigation?
Despite a six‑month investigation into the son’s extremist associations, the father’s gun licence — which allowed ownership of certain shotguns and centre‑fire rifles — was not cancelled.
What steps do you think should be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future?
