SYDNEY (The Thursday Times) — Naveed Akram, an Australian resident who moved to Australia from Pakistan in 2018, has publicly denied any involvement in today’s Bondi Beach shooting after his photograph was falsely circulated online in a wave of dangerous misinformation.
From Lahore to Sydney and now forced to speak out, Australian resident Naveed Akram has come on camera to prove who he is after his image was allegedly used in a dangerous misinformation storm online after today’s Bondi Beach shooting incident. pic.twitter.com/LiDz0CWmJW
— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) December 14, 2025
In a video statement shared on social media, Akram said his image was used without consent and linked to unverified claims identifying him as the attacker, forcing him to come forward to clarify his identity. He stressed that he has no connection whatsoever to the incident and described the situation as deeply distressing for both him and his family.
“I am a law-abiding Australian resident and have nothing to do with this horrific act,” Akram said, warning that the spread of false information can put innocent lives at risk.
The misinformation spread rapidly across social media platforms, with some users and outlets sharing his photograph before Australian authorities had released any confirmed identification of suspects. Police have not named Akram in relation to the attack and have cautioned against speculation as the investigation continues.
Naveed Akram from Lahore Pakistan and live in Australia who involved in bondi beach mass shooting
10 people shot dead during Jews Hanukkah Festival 🥺
pray for Australia #bondibeach #Messi𓃵 #terrorism pic.twitter.com/a8aNd0Iq6p— Suraj Gupta (@SurajGu85705673) December 14, 2025
Australian police have reiterated that the Bondi Beach shooting remains under active investigation and have urged the public to rely solely on verified updates from official sources.
Akram has called on social media platforms and media organisations to remove false content and act responsibly to prevent the spread of misinformation.
