UPDATE: In a shocking revelation, Naveed Akram, the alleged gunman behind the horrific Bondi attack, reportedly deceived his mother about his whereabouts just hours before the violence erupted. Akram, aged 24, told his mother, Verena Akram, that he was enjoying a weekend in the Jervis Bay area, engaging in recreational activities, while preparations for a deadly assault were underway.
According to reports from the Sydney Morning Herald, Akram phoned his mother on Sunday morning, falsely claiming he had been swimming and scuba diving. “He rings me up and said Mum, I just went for a swim… we’re going to eat now,” Verena recounted. She insisted that her son was a “good boy” who kept to himself, stating, “He doesn’t have a firearm. He doesn’t even go out.”
As Australia grapples with the aftermath of this brutal attack that left 16 dead and 40 injured, communities across the nation are reeling. In Shoalhaven, where Akram is from, flags are flying at half-mast to honor the victims. Mayor Patricia White expressed solidarity, saying, “We must come together… our deepest sympathies to those dealing with unimaginable grief due to this terrorist act in Bondi.”
The devastating incident, which targeted Jewish Australians, has prompted widespread condemnation. Mayor White stated, “There is no place for hate, violence, and terrorism in our community,” highlighting the urgent need for unity in the face of such evil.
State Member for South Coast Liza Butler also voiced her support for the victims’ families, emphasizing the collective responsibility to stand against terror and intolerance. “As a nation and as a state, we must all stand together,” Butler urged.
Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, called for those affected by the trauma to seek help, stating, “Let me be clear, there is no place for hate, violence, and terrorism.” She encouraged individuals to reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 for support.
The timeline of events following the shooting has been marked by emotional responses and calls for solidarity. Local leaders and citizens are coming together, vowing to confront the hatred and violence that led to this tragedy.
With investigations ongoing, authorities are working tirelessly to piece together the circumstances surrounding Akram’s actions. As this situation develops, the community remains on alert, with a clear message: we stand united against violence.
The impact of this attack is profound, not just in Bondi but across Australia and beyond. As more details emerge, the urgency for healing and unity intensifies, urging everyone to come together in support of those affected.
