Sydney Attack: Pakistani Father and Son Identified, Fruit Vendor Hailed as Hero (Video)

A brutal shooting attack targeting a Hanukkah festival held on Sunday at Bondi Beach in New South Wales, Australia, has claimed the lives of 15 people. Police confirm that among the deceased is a 10-year-old girl, and the ages of the victims range from 10 to 87 years old.

This incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism, New South Wales Police stated. Over 1000 people had gathered on the beach at the time of the attack, and at least 40 individuals, including two police officers and three children, were injured in the shooting.

This brutal attack was carried out by a father and son. The 50-year-old father died on the spot from police gunfire, while the 24-year-old son is hospitalized with serious injuries.

Authorities state that criminal charges may be filed against the hospitalized suspect depending on his health condition. According to American intelligence officials, the 24-year-old suspect has been identified as Naveed Akram, a Pakistani national, and his driver's license has also been examined. Although the name of the deceased father has not yet been revealed, it has been disclosed that he held a firearms license for about ten years and was a member of a firearms club.

Police recovered six licensed firearms belonging to the suspect at the scene of the attack. Additionally, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated that several active improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found near the scene and in the suspects' vehicle, which were safely neutralized by officers. He further added that there had been no prior warning or intelligence regarding the planning of this attack. Although a third suspect was initially sought, police have now confirmed that no other suspects are being pursued.

Amidst this tragedy, the heroism displayed by 43-year-old fruit vendor Ahmed Al Ahmed has been widely praised. Coming from behind a parked car near Campbell Parade, he bravely tackled one of the gunmen, wrestled away the firearm, and was shot and wounded in the struggle. Speaking at an event at the White House, President Trump stated that Ahmed's actions helped save many lives.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident, stating that the gunmen targeted the Jewish community on the first day of the Hanukkah festival. Responding to journalists' questions about the incident, the Police Commissioner said that this was not the time to comment definitively on reports or speculations, such as the discovery of an ISIS flag. However, he emphasized that investigating the motives behind this attack is a crucial part of the ongoing inquiry.