Breaking: Police seize six guns as investigation into Akram family unfolds in Sydney
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Police seize six guns as investigation into Akram family unfolds in Sydney
- 2. License to carry weapons
- 3. Key facts at a glance
- 4. Evergreen context: firearms licensing and public safety in Australia
- 5. Questions for readers
- 6. Why does a virtual assistant say “I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that”?
Authorities say a bonnyrigg-area property tied to Sajid Akram and his son Naveed was the focus of a police operation on Monday, as investigators pursue lines of inquiry related to the family living in western Sydney.
Naveed Akram, the younger member of the family, worked as a bricklayer, while Sajid Akram ran a fruit shop, according to local reports. The siblings’ origins and ties were the subject of routine government briefings in the days following the raid.
Officials noted that Naveed was born in Australia, while Sajid immigrated to the country in 1998 on a student visa before switching to a partner visa in 2001.Over the subsequent years, Sajid took only three trips abroad, returning each time on a permanent resident visa, according to Home Affairs statements released on Monday.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed Sajid Akram’s country of origin. When pressed for specifics, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said such details are part of the ongoing investigation and could not be disclosed at this stage.
Philippine authorities confirmed Sajid Akram traveled on an Indian passport, while Naveed Akram held an Australian passport, providing a clearer view of the family’s travel documents during the period in question.
CNN sought comment from India’s Ministry of External Affairs regarding the matter,underscoring the international dimensions being explored in the inquiry.
License to carry weapons
Police seized six firearms believed to be linked to Sajid akram, who possessed a firearms license. Some weapons were recovered during searches of two linked sites – the Bonnyrigg residence and an Airbnb in Campsie where the couple had stayed in the days leading up to the attack.
Lanyon,a police spokesperson,stated that Sajid akram “met the eligibility criteria for a firearms license” and held a “recreational hunting license.” He explained that there are two main hunting license types: one for private property or a shooting club, which was the license held by the suspect.
Officials noted Sajid first applied for a firearms license in 2015, but the 2016 renewal expired after a required photo was not supplied. A second submission was submitted in 2020, with the license later issued in 2023. “The firearms we seized were properly linked to this license,” the officer said.
CNN footage verified by investigators shows Naveed Akram firing a bolt-action rifle at a crowd from a walkway overlooking Bondi Beach, with four shots fired in just over five seconds.
Key facts at a glance
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of operation | Bonnyrigg, western Sydney |
| Individuals | Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram |
| Occupations | Sajid: fruit shop owner; Naveed: bricklayer |
| Passports | Sajid: Indian passport; Naveed: Australian passport |
| Immigration status | Sajid immigrated in 1998 on a student visa; later on a partner visa; Naveed Australian-born |
| Weapons status | Six weapons seized; Sajid held a firearms license; linked to a hunting license |
| License history | First application in 2015; expired 2016; second application in 2020; license issued in 2023 |
| Evidence found | Weapons linked to license; video of Naveed firing a bolt-action rifle at Bondi Beach |
| Investigation status | Ongoing; authorities withholding further details pending inquiry |
Evergreen context: firearms licensing and public safety in Australia
Australia’s firearm laws require licensing, background checks and periodic renewals, with strict controls on weapon types and serializations. Cases involving licensed shooters and family-linked suspects highlight ongoing debates about how best to balance lawful ownership with public safety. For readers seeking background on Australia’s gun-control framework and enforcement practices, reputable outlets provide ongoing coverage and analysis.
Relevant context and further reading: ABC News (Australia) • BBC News – Australia • CNN
Questions for readers
What additional safeguards should authorities implement to ensure community safety when investigations involve licensed gun owners?
Do current licensing and verification processes adequately address cross-border or dual-national scenarios? Share your thoughts below.
Share your thoughts and insights in the comments. If you found this update informative, consider sharing it with friends and followers to keep the conversation informed.
Why does a virtual assistant say “I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that”?
I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that.
