The Bondi Beach attack took a new twist with the statement of the mother of Naveed, an accused of attacking people at the beach along with his father Sajid Akram. The Mother of Naveed said that his son did not possess any weapon and that he could not carry out a terrorist attack.
Family’s Account of Final Movements
Family members told investigators the pair had planned a weekend fishing trip to the South Coast. Naveed’s mother, Verena, said her son told the family he was travelling with his father to Jervis Bay. She reported speaking to them for the last time on Sunday morning, hours before the attack occurred.
Personal History and Social Profile
Verena described Naveed as an unemployed bricklayer who lost his job about two months earlier after his employer became insolvent. She said he attended Cabramatta High School, maintained friendships during his school years, and lived a generally quiet life. She added that he was not particularly social and did not appear to spend significant time online.
Reports said Naveed was tagged in a 2022 social media post showing he had passed Holy Quran studies at the Al-Murad Institute in Heckenberg. The post was later removed. Verena said she could not identify her son from photographs taken at the shooting scene. She also expressed disbelief that he could engage in violent or extremist activity, stating that he did not own a firearm.
Australian police have identified the two alleged gunmen behind the deadly Bondi Beach shooting as a father and son. The attack occurred during a Jewish celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach and left 15 people dead, triggering nationwide shock and grief.
Authorities said the suspects acted together, and investigators continue to examine their movements, motives, and associations before the attack.
Suspects’ Condition and Background
According to Australian media reports, police apprehended Naveed at the scene after the shooting and transported him to hospital. He remains under police guard in a critical but stable condition. His father, Sajid, died at the scene from injuries sustained during the incident. Reports indicated Sajid previously owned a fruit shop and lived with his family in Sydney’s western suburbs.
Immigration and Citizenship Details
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed key immigration details on Monday. He said Sajid arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa, later converting it to a partner visa in 2001. Sajid subsequently held a resident return visa for several years. Burke also confirmed that Naveed was born in Australia in 2001 and holds Australian citizenship.
Community Impact and Police Activity
A man appearing in the 2022 image, whom media reports declined to identify, said he lost contact with Naveed in early 2022. He said images of the victims devastated him and added that his family received death threats, forcing them to leave their home.
Police maintained a strong presence at the family’s Bonnyrigg residence on Monday, restricting public access. Reports said the family purchased the three-bedroom property in 2024 after previously living in Cabramatta. Investigators continue to search the home as part of the ongoing inquiry.
