Australian authorities on Monday confirmed that the deadly shooting during Hanukkah celebrations at Sydney’s Bondi Beach was carried out by a father-son pair, an attack that has left the nation shaken and sparked renewed debate over gun control.

Police identified the attackers as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram. Sajid Akram was shot dead by law enforcement at the scene, while Naveed Akram was injured during the operation and has been taken into custody. Officials said the younger attacker remains under medical care as investigations continue. International media reports have stated that the duo had roots in Pakistan.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon revealed that the elder Akram was a licensed gun owner and had multiple firearms legally registered in his name. Investigators are now examining how the weapons were used in the attack and whether the shooters had links to extremist ideology. A flag associated with the Islamic State group was recovered from their vehicle, though police have cautioned against drawing conclusions at this early stage.

“The motive behind this attack is a critical part of our investigation,” Lanyon said, adding that authorities are exploring all possible angles, including radicalisation. He stressed that the probe would be comprehensive and evidence-driven before any official conclusions are made public.

The massacre, which targeted a Hanukkah event attended by families and children, claimed at least 16 lives, including that of a 10-year-old child, and left dozens injured. The incident has deeply impacted Australia’s Jewish community, with leaders condemning the violence and calling for unity and justice.

In the wake of the attack, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signalled that the federal government is considering stricter gun regulations. He indicated that proposed measures could include tighter limits on the number of firearms a licensed individual can own and more frequent reviews of gun licences.

“Circumstances change, and people can become radicalised over time. Gun licences cannot be treated as permanent entitlements,” Albanese said, underlining the government’s willingness to act decisively to prevent future tragedies.