Sydney Attackers Were Father and Son, Police Confirm No Third Attacker

Police in New South Wales have confirmed that the two armed attackers responsible for killing 16 people and injuring dozens in Sydney were a father and his son, ruling out the existence of a third suspect.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon told reporters that the perpetrators were a 50-year-old man and his 24-year-old son.

The younger attacker, Navid Akram (24), sustained serious injuries during the incident and remains hospitalized under police guard. His father was shot dead by police at the scene, according to reports by the Daily Mail.

Following the attack, police conducted raids at two properties in Kempsie and Bonnyrigg Heights, suburbs in southwest Sydney.

No Evidence of a Third Attacker

Commissioner Lanyon emphasized that investigators have confirmed only two perpetrators were involved.

“There were two offenders involved in this incident. The offenders were a 50-year-old man and a 24-year-old man, father and son,” Lanyon said.

Increased Police Presence at Jewish Sites

In response to the attack, authorities launched Operation ‘Shelter’, which includes a large-scale police deployment at Bondi Beach and other locations frequently visited by the Jewish community.

More than 300 police officers will be deployed as part of the operation.

“Operation Shelter is designed to provide reassurance to the Jewish community,” Lanyon stated.

He added that there is an elevated risk of copycat attacks, and police will maintain a highly visible presence at places of worship and other community locations.

Attack Not Pre-Planned, Police Say

According to Commissioner Lanyon, the attack was not premeditated.

The father had legally held a firearms license for more than 10 years, while authorities have limited information about the younger attacker, who was reportedly known to Australian intelligence services.

Police also confirmed that two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found at Bondi Beach, which the attackers did not manage to detonate.

Gun Law Reform Likely

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns announced that the attack will almost certainly lead to reforms of gun ownership laws in the state.