Bondi Beach Terror Attack: Sajid Akram Identified as Indian National, Son Holds Australian Citizenship

Philippine authorities have confirmed that Sajid Akram, one of the two gunmen involved in the deadly Bondi Beach mass shooting in Sydney, was an Indian national, while his son and co-accused Naveed Akram holds Australian citizenship. The confirmation comes as Australian police continue to investigate an overseas trip taken by the pair to the Philippines just weeks before the attack.

The Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines said both suspects travelled together to the country in November 2025, less than a month before the shooting that killed 15 people and injured dozens during a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach.

Details of the Attack

The shooting occurred on Sunday evening at Bondi Beach while a Hanukkah gathering was underway. Australian authorities said Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, opened fire using rifles, killing at least 15 people and injuring 42 others.

Sajid Akram was shot dead during an exchange of fire with police at the scene. Naveed Akram sustained injuries and remains hospitalised under heavy police guard as investigations continue.

Philippines Travel Confirmed

Dana Sandoval, spokesperson for the Philippines' Bureau of Immigration, confirmed the travel details on Tuesday.

"Sajid Akram, 50, an Indian national and Australian resident, and Naveed Akram, 24, an Australian national, arrived in the Philippines together on November 1, 2025 from Sydney," Sandoval said.

She added that the pair declared Davao as their final destination. They reportedly left the Philippines on November 28, 2025, travelling from Davao to Manila before flying back to Sydney.

Australian authorities have said the purpose of the visit is under active investigation, and officials are examining whether the trip has any connection to the planning or execution of the attack.

Background and Immigration Status

Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Sajid Akram arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa and later transitioned to a partner visa in 2001. He travelled overseas several times on resident return visas, which allow permanent residents to leave and re-enter Australia while maintaining their residency status.

Naveed Akram was born in Australia. A former colleague told local media that Naveed's mother is Italian and his father was Indian. The colleague also said Naveed legally possessed a firearms licence.

Diplomatic Engagement and Condolences

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong spoke with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday to brief him on the attack and the ongoing investigation.

According to Wong, both sides agreed that "there must be no place for antisemitism, violence, and terrorism." Jaishankar conveyed India's condolences to the victims' families and expressed full support for Australia, describing the incident as a terrorist attack.

Terror Links Under Probe

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said investigators believe the attackers were motivated by Islamic State ideology and may have been radicalised by extremist beliefs.

Officials also noted that Davao, the city visited by the suspects, is located in Mindanao, a region that has previously seen Islamic State-linked activity. However, authorities have stressed that no direct operational link between the Philippines trip and the Bondi Beach attack has yet been established.

The investigation into the mass shooting, including the suspects' international movements and possible extremist connections, remains ongoing.