Police converge on alleged Bondi Shooters home in Sydney’s south west
Police have swarmed home in Sydney’s south west, believed to be the residence of one of the Bondi Beach attackers.
Naveed Akram is confirmed to be one of the two alleged shooters who opened fire on a Jewish Chanukah event shortly before 7pm on Sunday.
At least 12 people have died as a result of the attack, with the shooting now declared a terrorist incident.
Police are currently raiding Akram’s Bonnyrigg home, with the street now cordoned off.
Dozens of people have converged street trying to edge closer to the house.
When approached by news.com.au, one police officer said “it’s not safe you need to go back”.
The alleged shooter’s family have reportedly owned the property for a year, according to the Daily Mail.
Scores of young men gathered near the corner of Holdin St discussing the horrific events that unfolded more than 50km away.
Some local residents stopped from getting to their homes were heard pleading with police to be let through but were instead told to get back.
“There are people absolutely everywhere,” said one resident.
“They reckon it’s the Bondi shooter so I get it but I’m just trying to get home,” the man said.
Bonnyrigg is in the heart of Sydney’s multicultural south west, with houses along Brown Rd adorned with flashing Christmas lights.
Several men ordered to move away from the area became aggressive, threatening to “break the handcuffs” of a female officer.
Neighbours stood on their front lawns watching as police officers turned cars away from Brown Rd, which is usually a busy thoroughfare.
Terror attack declared, bombs found
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed on Sunday night that the attack has been designated as a terrorist incident.
The investigation will be lead by the counter-terrorism command with investigators from the State Crime Command.
“This disgraceful act will not go unpunished,” Mr Lanyon said.
A bomb disposal team are attending a vehicle on Campbell Parade, which authorities believed contained several improvised explosive devices.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the attack “evil anti-Semitism” and “an attack on our way of life”.
“There is no place for this hate violence and terrorism in our nation,” he said.
“Let me be clear, we will eradicate it.”
Mr Albanese said it was a “dark moment for our nation”.
“Australians have had their lives, poorly, stolen, and many have been injured,” he said.
More to come
