Expatriate father-son involved in deadly attack in Australia are citizens of Muslim-majority countries

The attackers are 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram.

The expatriate Sajid Akram involved in the horrific attack on Bondi Beach in Australia on Sunday evening (December 14) is a Pakistani citizen. Police have identified the father and son, originally from Lahore. Authorities said on Monday that the attack was the deadliest shooting incident in Australia in almost three decades.

The attackers are 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram. They attacked during a Jewish religious festival called ‘Chanukkah by the Sea’. The attack, organized to mark the first day of Hanukkah celebrations, killed 16 people. The victims ranged from a 10-year-old girl to an 87-year-old man. The son Naveed Akram, who was seriously injured in the attack, is currently receiving treatment in hospital. The father, Sajid Akram, died at the scene.

New South Wales Police said that a few days before the attack, Sajid and Naveed told family members that they were going fishing on the south coast. But that trip eventually turned into a well-planned terrorist attack. The incident has plunged Australia, known for its strict gun control, into deep shock and fear.

Sydney police have confirmed the identities of the two attackers after investigating. Sajid was shot dead at the scene by police. He legally owned six firearms. He was a member of a recreational gun club.

Sajid came to Australia from Pakistan on a student visa almost 27 years ago in 1998. He obtained a permanent visa in 2001. His son Naveed, who was born there that same year, is an Australian citizen by birth. Naveed is seriously injured in the attack and is receiving treatment in hospital.

National Herald reports.