In the wake of Australia’s deadliest terrorist attack in decades, the mother of one of the alleged gunmen has spoken out in profound grief and disbelief, sharing a chilling text message her son sent just 30 minutes before the massacre unfolded at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025.

The woman, whose identity has been protected amid intense media scrutiny, described her 24-year-old son Naveed Akram as a “very obedient and kind-hearted boy” who had never shown signs of radicalization or violence. Through tears, she recounted the innocuous message he sent that Sunday afternoon: “Mom, I just finished swimming and diving at the sea. Now Dad and I are going to have breakfast and then stay inside because it’s very hot outside.”

Little did she know that those words masked a deadly intent. Minutes later, Naveed and his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, allegedly armed themselves with legally obtained firearms and launched a coordinated assault on a crowded Hanukkah celebration at Archer Park beside Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach. The attack, declared a terrorist incident inspired by Islamic State ideology, claimed 15 innocent lives and injured dozens more, shattering the nation’s sense of security.

Speaking from the family’s home in Sydney’s south-west suburb of Campsie, the mother broke down as she grappled with the unimaginable. “I don’t understand why my husband and son did this,” she said, her voice trembling. “My son was so good, so gentle. He never hurt anyone. How could this happen? They told me they were going fishing for the weekend. I believed them.”

The deception extended beyond the final text. Family members revealed that Naveed had recently lost his job as a bricklayer and had been pretending to go to work each day to spare his parents worry. On the morning of the attack, the father-son duo informed the household they were heading out for a leisurely fishing trip—a common weekend activity for Sajid, a licensed gun owner and member of a local shooting club.

Instead, they drove to Bondi, parked near a pedestrian footbridge overlooking the festival grounds, and positioned themselves to rain down gunfire on families gathered for the first night of Hanukkah. Eyewitness videos captured the horror: two figures in black firing relentlessly from the bridge onto the joyful crowd below, where over 1,000 people had assembled for music, dancing, and the lighting of the menorah.

Sajid was fatally shot by police during the exchange of fire, collapsing on the bridge. Naveed, critically injured, was taken into custody and rushed to hospital under heavy guard. As of this week, reports indicate he has regained consciousness, though charges are pending.

The mother’s anguish highlights the profound mystery surrounding the pair’s radicalization. Authorities confirmed the Akram family had traveled to the Philippines just weeks prior, raising suspicions of exposure to extremist networks or military-style training linked to Islamic State affiliates in the region. Homemade Islamic State flags and improvised explosive devices were found in their vehicle at the scene, underscoring the ideological motivation behind the antisemitic assault.

Yet to those who knew them, the Akrams appeared unremarkable. Sajid, originally from India, arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa before settling permanently. Naveed, born in Australia, was described by former colleagues as a regular young man who enjoyed hunting rabbits and game in rural areas. Neighbors recalled a quiet, hardworking family with no outward signs of extremism.

“I keep reading that message over and over,” the mother confessed, sobbing uncontrollably. “He talked about swimming, breakfast, staying cool because of the heat. It was so normal, so like him. Then… this. My world is destroyed. How do I live knowing my son and husband took innocent lives?”

Her words have resonated deeply in a nation mourning the victims, including a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, rabbis, and families simply celebrating a festival of light. Vigils at Bondi Pavilion have drawn thousands, with flowers piling high and messages of unity overshadowing hate.

Community leaders from Muslim organizations have condemned the attack unequivocally, emphasizing that it does not represent Islam. Bilal Rauf from the Australian National Imams Council spoke at a interfaith gathering, embracing Jewish counterparts and calling for solidarity. “This evil act wounds us all,” he said. “We stand together against hatred in any form.”

The revelation of the deceptive text has fueled discussions about the hidden nature of radicalization. Experts note that many lone actors or small cells maintain facades of normalcy right up to the moment of attack, making prevention extraordinarily challenging. Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) confirmed Naveed had briefly appeared on their radar in 2019 due to associations, but was not deemed an immediate threat.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, addressing the nation, expressed sympathy for the grieving families—including those of the perpetrators. “This tragedy affects everyone,” he said. “We mourn the lost lives, support the injured, and seek answers to prevent such darkness again.”

In response, national leaders agreed to overhaul gun laws, restricting licenses and firearm numbers following revelations that the attackers used legally owned weapons, including rifles seized from their home.

As investigations continue—raids uncovering more firearms and explosives—the mother’s heartbreak serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost on all sides. She has secluded herself, supported by relatives, grappling with betrayal, loss, and public vilification.

“Why lie to me like that?” she whispered in her interview. “If there was something wrong, why not tell me? I would have helped. Now, everything is gone.”

Amid the outrage, stories of heroism have emerged as counterpoints to the terror. Bystander Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old Syrian-born fruit shop owner, charged one of the gunmen, wresting away his rifle and likely saving countless lives despite sustaining gunshot wounds. Donations for his recovery have surpassed millions, with tributes pouring in from Jewish communities worldwide.

A couple, Boris and Sofia Gurman, also lost their lives attempting to disarm an attacker, their dashcam footage capturing their final brave act.

In Bondi, the beach once synonymous with summer joy now bears scars. Memorials grow daily, blood donation queues stretch for hours, and the community vows resilience.

The mother’s final text from her son—a mundane update on a sunny day—stands as a haunting symbol of how evil can hide in plain sight. As Australia heals, her tears reflect a shared national sorrow: the profound question of how ordinary lives can veer into unimaginable horror.

In the face of such division, voices call for unity. “We cannot let hate win,” said one mourner at the pavilion. “Light will overcome darkness.”

Yet for one devastated mother, the darkness feels eternal.