In the chaotic hours following the tragic Bondi Beach mass shooting on December 14, 2025, misinformation about the shooter’s nationality spread rapidly. The attack left at least 16 people dead and dozens injured.
Several media outlets and social media accounts erroneously claimed that the attacker was a Pakistani national, linking his alleged motives to Pakistan without evidence. Unverified photos and misleading captions amplified these false reports before official confirmation.
Verified information from Australian authorities confirmed that the shooters were Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, who had no ties to Pakistan. Naveed was born in Australia, while his father had lived there for decades. Indian police confirmed that Sajid Akram originally hails from Hyderabad, India.
Investigators revealed that Sajid Akram maintained limited contact with his family after moving to Australia. He visited India six times post-relocation, but his family had little knowledge of his activities. Authorities emphasized that the family had no indication of criminal involvement and has been cooperative with ongoing investigations.
The shooters’ background includes Indian heritage on the father’s side and Italian on the mother’s side, further disproving claims linking them to Pakistan. Reports confirmed that the father and son spent much of November 2025 in the Philippines before returning to Sydney.
The rush to assign nationality also caused the misidentification of a Pakistani-origin Sydney resident, whose photos were falsely circulated as those of the attackers.
This incident underscores the importance of verified reporting, especially in the aftermath of tragedies like the Bondi Beach attack. Authorities continue to work closely with international agencies to ensure accurate information and maintain public trust.
In other related news also read Deadly Incident of Bondi Beach Shooting Shocked Australia
Accurate information is crucial to avoid misinformation, protect innocent individuals, and assist law enforcement during ongoing investigations.
