Australian authorities have identified one of the attackers involved in the deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach as 24-year-old Naveed Akram, as investigators continue to piece together the events behind one of the country’s deadliest recent attacks. Police confirmed that Akram’s home in Bonnyrigg, in Sydney’s south-west, was raided as part of the ongoing investigation.

The shooting unfolded on Sunday evening during Chanukah by the Sea, a public Hanukkah gathering that had drawn hundreds of people to the beachfront. Witnesses said the calm atmosphere shattered shortly after 6.30 pm when gunmen stepped out of a vehicle on Campbell Parade and opened fire, triggering panic as people fled in all directions.

New South Wales Police said at least 12 people were killed, including one of the attackers. The second suspect was arrested and remains in custody in critical condition. Police confirmed the two gunmen were “neutralised” and that a rifle was recovered at the scene.

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon urged restraint amid speculation. “This is not a time for retribution, this is a time to allow the police to do their duty,” he said, adding that one suspect “has very, very little knowledge to the police so he’s not someone we would’ve been looking at, at this time.”

Investigators later discovered an improvised explosive device inside a vehicle linked to the attackers. “We have found an improvised explosive device in a car which is linked to the deceased offender,” Lanyon said, officially classifying the incident as a terrorist attack.

Dramatic videos circulating online showed the chaos of the moment, including footage of a bystander tackling and disarming one of the gunmen an act police believe may have prevented further loss of life. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional accomplices and said the investigation remains active.