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Sydney Synagogue Shooter’s Gun License Delay Blamed on Bureaucratic Error, Not Security Concerns
Australian officials revealed Tuesday that a bureaucratic oversight, rather than security concerns, led to a three-year delay in issuing a firearms license to Sajid Akram, who along with his son is accused of killing 15 people in an antisemitic attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed that Akram applied for his state firearms license in 2000, but didn’t receive approval until 2003, despite the process typically taking between six to ten weeks.
“The latest information that we have is that there was a real mess in relation to the bureaucracy when it comes to gun licenses and the delays related to that — not a specific threat,” Minns told reporters at a Tuesday press conference.
The December 14 attack, which targeted hundreds of Jews celebrating Hanukkah, marks Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. The assault has raised serious questions about Australia’s gun control framework, particularly how Akram, a 50-year-old Indian citizen with permanent residency status, legally acquired six rifles and shotguns.
Of particular concern to investigators is why Akram was granted weapons permits while sharing a home with his 24-year-old son, Naveed, who had been investigated by Australian intelligence services in 2019 over extremist connections. When pressed on this point, Minns responded, “I don’t know. I’d give anything to go back a week, month, two years, to ensure that didn’t happen.”
Australian authorities have alleged the Akrams were motivated by “religiously motivated ideology linked to Islamic State.” The younger Akram, who was wounded by police during the attack, has been charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of causing harm with intent to murder, and one count of committing a terrorist act. He was transferred from hospital to Sydney’s Long Bay Correctional Complex on Monday.
In response to the tragedy, the New South Wales Parliament is considering legislation that Premier Minns claims would give the state Australia’s toughest gun laws. The proposed measures would prohibit recreational shooters from owning straight-pull mechanism firearms, which enable more rapid fire than comparable bolt-action weapons. Video evidence suggests the attackers used such weapons during the assault.
The reforms would also restrict gun ownership to Australian citizens, which would have disqualified Sajid Akram. Additionally, government decisions to deny firearms licenses, including those based on intelligence agency concerns, could no longer be appealed under the proposed legislation.
The bill would cap gun ownership at four firearms for recreational shooters and ten for farmers and sports shooters. Currently, New South Wales has no ownership limits, with one individual reportedly possessing 298 registered firearms.
The proposed restrictions have encountered resistance from rural stakeholders. The Nationals party, which represents Australia’s rural constituencies, has announced opposition to the bill, claiming it “uses gun reforms as a political tool rather than addressing the real issue of antisemitism.” Farming organizations have also voiced concerns that the ten-gun limit would be insufficient for some agricultural operations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has backed the reforms, stating, “The terrible events at Bondi show that we do need more guns off our streets. There is no reason why someone living in Bonnyrigg needs six heavy arms.”
At the federal level, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke indicated the national government is drafting nationwide reforms, including a gun buyback program for newly restricted weapons and new offenses related to 3D-printed firearms. Police allege they discovered 3D-printed components for a shotgun speed loader in a room rented by Sajid Akram the day after the attack.
The Bondi Beach shooting has evoked memories of Australia’s 1996 Port Arthur massacre, in which 35 people were killed. That tragedy prompted sweeping national gun reforms that successfully reduced the number of rapid-fire weapons in civilian hands across Australia.
As the investigation continues, funerals for the victims are still being held. On Tuesday, services were conducted for 82-year-old Marika Pogany, a Christian woman with Jewish heritage who maintained close ties to Sydney’s Jewish community. Health officials report 12 wounded survivors remain hospitalized, with four in critical condition.
A royal commission, a powerful form of public inquiry in Australia, will examine the circumstances surrounding the attack and the rise in antisemitism in Australia since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in 2023.
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10 Comments
The delayed gun license in this case raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of Australia’s gun control measures. Streamlining the licensing process while maintaining rigorous security checks should be a top priority for the government.
Well said. This incident demonstrates the critical importance of striking the right balance between efficient bureaucratic procedures and comprehensive public safety considerations.
The delay in this shooter’s license approval is deeply concerning. Australia’s gun control framework needs a thorough review to ensure proper vetting and timely processing of applications, without compromising public safety.
Well said. This incident highlights the importance of striking the right balance between efficient bureaucratic procedures and comprehensive security assessments for firearms licenses.
This tragic case underscores the need for greater scrutiny and accountability in Australia’s gun licensing system. Bureaucratic mishaps should never jeopardize public safety or enable dangerous individuals to acquire firearms legally.
I agree. Policymakers must address these systemic issues to restore public confidence in the firearms licensing process and prevent future tragedies.
Proper screening and timely approval of gun licenses are essential for public safety. This case raises questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of Australia’s firearms regulations. Addressing these gaps should be a top priority for policymakers.
Absolutely. Streamlining the gun license process while maintaining robust security checks is a delicate balance, but one that must be struck to prevent such devastating incidents.
This is a concerning incident that highlights the need for robust and streamlined gun license processes. Bureaucratic mishaps should not delay public safety measures, especially for high-risk individuals. Thorough background checks are crucial to prevent such tragedies.
Agreed. The licensing system requires careful review to identify and address any systemic issues that could enable dangerous individuals to obtain firearms legally.