‘He doesn’t drink, smoke or mix with friends...’ Mother rejects claims against shooter after Bondi shooting

Australia: In the aftermath of a deadly terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Jewish religious celebration, the wife of the alleged gunman has spoken publicly as authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the violence.

Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police after he allegedly opened fire during an event marking the start of Hanukkah, while his son, Naveed, 24, was taken into custody at the scene.

Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Verena said that her husband and son had gone to Jervis Bay for a weekend fishing trip prior to the incident.

“He rings me up [on Sunday] and said, Mum, I just went for a swim. I went scuba diving. We’re going ... to eat now, and then this morning, and we’re going to stay home now because it’s very hot,” Verena said.

Does Verena believe her son was involved in the violence?

Images of Naveed allegedly holding a firearm at the crime scene circulated widely on social media in the hours following the attack. Despite this, Verena insisted that she does not believe her son could have taken part in any violent act.

“He doesn’t have a firearm. He doesn’t even go out. He doesn’t mix with friends. He doesn’t drink, he doesn’t smoke, he doesn’t go to bad places ... he goes to work, he comes home, he goes to exercise, and that’s it,” she said. “Anyone would wish to have a son like my son ... he’s a good boy.”

What is known about Naveed and Sajid’s background?

Naveed previously worked as a bricklayer but lost his job several months ago after the construction company he was employed with became insolvent. Sajid ran a fruit shop. The family lived together in a house in western Sydney, which they purchased last year, along with Verena, Naveed’s 20-year-old brother and his 22-year-old sister.

What have authorities said about the motive behind the attack?

Investigators have not yet established the motive behind the shooting. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident in stark terms.

“What we saw yesterday was an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores,” he said.

How did the attack unfold at Bondi Beach?

At the time of the shooting, around 1,000 people had gathered at Bondi Beach to observe the Jewish festival. The attackers allegedly targeted a raised boardwalk where swimmers had gathered to cool off.

Police said the father and son fired bullets from long-barrelled guns for at least 10 minutes before officers intervened and shot Sajid dead.

(With agency inputs)