The two gunmen responsible for killing at 16 people, including a child, during Hannukah celebrations on the Bondi Beach in Australia's Sydney have been identified as a father-son duo, said the police on Monday. The father was identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his son was 24-year-old Naveed Akram. While Sajid was neutralised by Australian law enforcement agencies, Naveed was captured and is currently getting treated for his injuries.
In a press conference, New South Wales police commissioner Mal Lanyon said the father was a licenced firearms holder and had six firearms licenced to him. He said the police are investigating whether they were linked to an extremist group, as a flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was recovered from their car.
"That's all part of the investigation. As I just said before, I'd rather not comment on that right at the moment," Lanyon told reporters when asked if the duo belonged to the ISIS. "Obviously, we will look at the motives behind this attack and I think that's really important as part of the investigation. Our investigation will be thorough and we will be happy to provide further information."
Australian PM proposes tougher national gun laws
Day after the deadly Bondi Beach killing Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has proposed tougher national gun laws in the country. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Albanese said the new proposed restrictions will limit the number of guns a licenced owner can obtain.
"The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary. Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws," he said. "People's circumstances can change. People can be radicalised over a period of time. Licenses should not be in perpetuity."
The Bondi attack has shocked the entire, particularly the Jewish community, who have condemned the attack. Several videos have also gone viral showing the moment when the father-son duo attacked the Hannukah celebrations, claiming 16 people, including a 10-year-old, and left 38 others injured.
