The mother of Naveed Akram, one of the accused in the Bondi Beach shooting, has spoken publicly about her final conversation with her son, describing it as completely ordinary and giving no indication of what was to follow.
Verena, his mother, said she spoke to Naveed on Sunday morning, just hours before the incident that left multiple people dead. She said her son told her he had gone swimming and scuba diving and planned to eat before returning to his hotel due to the heat.
“He said they were going to eat and then stay in, because it was very hot,” she recalled.
Mother expresses disbelief and grief
Speaking emotionally, Verena said she found it impossible to reconcile the person she knew with the images and allegations circulating publicly after the attack.
She described her son as quiet and disciplined, saying he did not drink, smoke or socialise widely. “He goes to work, comes home, exercises and that’s it,” she said, adding that he enjoyed fishing, swimming and physical fitness.
She also said Naveed had recently lost his job after his construction employer became insolvent around two months ago.
Family background and investigation
Police confirmed that Naveed Akram had previously completed religious studies at the Al-Murad Institute in Heckenberg, Sydney. He lived with his parents and siblings in a three-bedroom home in Bonnyrigg, purchased in 2024.
Authorities continue to maintain a police presence at the family residence as investigations into the Bondi Beach attack proceed. Police have stated that inquiries are ongoing and have urged the public not to speculate while evidence is being examined.
Community in mourning
The Bondi Beach incident has deeply shaken Australia, with families of victims, local residents and national leaders continuing to mourn those who lost their lives.
Officials have reiterated that support services are available for those affected and that further updates will be shared as the legal process advances.