Naveed Akram was formally charged with 15 offences, including murder. Authorities said investigations into the motive and how the weapons were obtained are ongoing. Australian police have identified a father and son as the attackers behind a deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, as the country begins burying victims of one of its worst acts of mass violence in decades.

The shooting took place on 14 December, shortly before 6:50pm local time, during a Hanukkah gathering near Archer Park beside Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most popular waterfront areas. The attack left 15 people dead and several injured, many of whom were taken to hospitals across the city for treatment.

Police said the father, Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by officers at the scene. His son, Naveed Akram, 24, was wounded during the attack and later taken into custody. On 16 December, the Indian police confirmed that Sajid Akram originally belonged to Hyderabad, India.

Officials described the incident as one of the deadliest shootings in Australia in nearly 30 years, a rare and deeply shocking event in a country known for having some of the strictest gun control laws in the world.

New South Wales Parliament would be convened next week to consider emergency gun laws. Australia overhauled its gun laws after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, banning automatic and semi-automatic firearms and introducing strict licensing, background checks and nationwide buy-back schemes. Since then, mass shootings have been rare, making the Bondi Beach attack particularly shaking and reigniting debate over security, extremism and public safety.

As the investigation continues, Sydney has begun holding funerals for the victims. Hundreds of mourners gathered under heavy police presence.

The attack has sent shockwaves through Australia’s Jewish community, with vigils, memorial services and floral tributes appearing across the city. Officials said the victims ranged widely in age, and several people were injured while trying to escape or help others during the chaos.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence, offered condolences to the families of the victims and pledged continued government support. Authorities said security has been increased around places of worship and public gatherings nationwide.

Funeral services for the remaining victims are expected to continue in the coming days as families prepare to lay their loved ones to rest and the nation reflects on a tragedy that has deeply unsettled the country.