The gunman at the centre of the devastating Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney, Australia has emerged from a coma as investigators work to piece together the motivations, preparation and possible foreign links behind one of Australia’s deadliest attacks in recent history. However, Australian police confirmed Naveed Akram remains under armed guard in hospital and has not yet been formally interviewed. Investigators say questioning will begin once he is medically cleared.

On 14 December 2025, two men opened fire on a crowded Hanukkah celebration at Archer Park near Bondi Beach, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. Police identified the attackers as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram. Sajid was shot dead at the scene during an exchange of gunfire with police. Naveed was critically wounded and taken to hospital, where he has since regained consciousness.

Investigators believe the pair may have undertaken some form of overseas preparation before the attack. Security agencies are examining travel records showing the two men spent time in the Philippines in the weeks leading up to the shooting. The travel is being treated as a key line of inquiry, though officials have stressed no direct operational link to an overseas terrorist organisation has been established.

Ballistic evidence and items recovered at the scene, including flags and material associated with ISIS ideology have intensified concerns about extremist influence. Federal police have said the recovered items indicate ideological inspiration rather than proof of coordination or direction by ISIS, adding there is currently no evidence of an organised terror cell.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the attack as an antisemitic act of terrorism, saying the victims were targeted because of their faith. He has pledged that Australia’s response would be both resolute and unified.

Earlier government statements revealed that Naveed Akram had come to the attention of authorities in 2019 due to associations with individuals later convicted on terrorism-related charges. However, officials confirmed he was not on any domestic or international watch list at the time of the attack. Security agencies are now conducting an internal review to determine whether warning signs were missed, as part of a broader post-attack intelligence assessment ordered by the federal government.

Public reaction has been swift and emotional. Thousands have attended vigils across Australia, with mourners gathering to honour the victims and denounce antisemitism. Political leaders have called for national unity amid growing concerns over extremist violence.

Albanese confirmed new gun control legislation will be introduced when parliament reconvenes, calling the Bondi attack a “turning point moment” for the country.

Amid the tragedy, acts of bravery have drawn widespread attention. Ahmed al-Ahmed, a bystander who tackled and disarmed one of the attackers, has been praised as a hero. Albanese visited al-Ahmed in hospital, describing him as “the best of Australia” and confirming he will receive a formal national honour.

Law enforcement agencies, working with international partners, continue to investigate the attackers’ backgrounds, travel history and online activity. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation as the investigation continues.

Australia remains in mourning as families of the victims seek justice and answers following an attack that has shaken the nation’s sense of security.