Sajid Akram held a category AB licence that entitled him to own the long arms he had. The NSW Police Commissioner said the 50-year-old met the eligibility for the licence for recreational hunting
Police have confirmed that one of the suspects in the Bondi Beach terror attack was a licensed gun owner for ‘hunting’. In a press briefing following the dreadful events on Sunday, December 14, which resulted in 16 fatalities, it was revealed that Sajid Akram held a category AB licence permitting him to possess the long arms he owned.
The gunman, who is the father of 24 year old Naveed Akram, had licences for six firearms. Premier Chris Mins has called for changes to gun laws in the aftermath of the tragedy.
It comes as reports suggest Naveed Akram ‘swore allegiance to Islamic State’, with ABC News reporting that two Islamic State flags were found in the alleged shooter’s vehicle.
The attackers opened fire at a Jewish event marking the first day of Hanukkah. New South Wales Police have confirmed that 38 individuals are still hospitalised, with 15 innocent victims having lost their lives.
The NSW Police Commissioner stated that the 50 year old gunman met the criteria for a recreational hunting licence. “He was a member of a gun club and was entitled by nature of the firearms acts to have a firearms licence issued. There are two types of hunting licences: the ability to hunt on a property or also as part of a hunting club, or gun club,” explained Mal Lanyon.
The “category AB licence, that entitled him to have the long arms he had” was issued to the man in 2015. Lanyon added: “In terms of a firearms licence, the firearms registry conducts a thorough examination of all applications to ensure a person is fit and proper to hold a firearms licence.”, reports the Mirror.
“[The police is] still working through background of the two people… At this stage we know very little about them.”
When asked about the shooters’ citizenship, the commissioner stated he was “not prepared to comment on that.”
Along with six firearms retrieved from the scene, officers discovered “active devices” described as “fairly basic” in a vehicle on Campbell Parade.
These have been safely removed and neutralised.
Premier Chris Minns addressed the press conference, stating that firearms legislation must be reformed following this tragedy.
“I think it’s time we have a change to the law in relation to the firearms legislation in New South Wales,” Minns said.
“But I’m not ready to announce it today. We want to make sure that prospective reform and change in New South Wales has a lasting impact.
“You can expect action soon.”
The Premier revealed he is contemplating recalling parliament to expedite fresh gun legislation.
Several inquiries are currently ongoing after the shooting incident.
These include a joint counterterrorism probe to be spearheaded by the police counterterrorism command and a critical incident investigation.
Police presence continues to be substantial in Bondi following the attack, with more than 320 officers deployed and off-duty personnel travelling to Bondi to assist their colleagues.