URGENT UPDATE: False claims regarding the nationalities of the Bondi Beach attackers have been decisively debunked. Initial reports suggesting the gunmen were from Pakistan are incorrect. Authorities confirm that one attacker was born in Australia, while the other originated from Hyderabad, India.
The shocking incident occurred on December 14, 2025, when Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram opened fire during a Jewish Hanukkah event, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and dozens more injured. Sajid was fatally shot by police, while Naveed remains hospitalized under police guard, facing 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder.
Initially, claims flooded social media alleging that the shooters had ties to Pakistan or Afghanistan. A Facebook post on December 14 falsely identified Naveed as a terrorist from Pakistan. Another misleading post claimed Sajid immigrated to Australia from Lahore on a student visa. These assertions have been explicitly refuted by official sources.
“The attackers had no links to Pakistan or Afghanistan,” stated Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke during a press conference.
Further investigation reveals that Naveed is an Australian citizen, born in Camperdown, Sydney, while Sajid is confirmed as an Indian national, originally hailing from Hyderabad. Indian police have verified Sajid’s nationality, highlighting the inaccuracies in circulating claims.
In a shocking twist, reports indicate that the Akram family traveled to the southern island of Mindanao, Philippines in November 2025, further complicating the narrative surrounding their origins. Filipino broadcaster ABS-CBN has published passport details confirming Sajid’s birthplace as Hyderabad.
As the investigation continues, AAP FactCheck has previously debunked a misleading AI-generated video that falsely claimed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced visa cancellations for Pakistani nationals in response to the attack. AAP FactCheck is committed to ensuring accuracy and objectivity in reporting.
Officials urge the public to refrain from sharing unverified information that may exacerbate tensions or spread misinformation. As this story develops, further updates will be provided to clarify the facts surrounding this tragic event.
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