Sydney beach shooting: Death toll climbs to 16, one attacker possesses licensed firearms |What we know so far

New Delhi:  The serene shores of Bondi Beach have been forever scarred by a deadly mass shooting, with authorities confirming a rise in the death toll to 16. In a shocking revelation that has deepened Australia's grief, New South Wales (NSW) police have identified the perpetrators of what they describe as a terror attack as a father-son duo, one of whom possessed a valid firearm license and multiple registered weapons.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon provided critical updates to the media, confirming the new casualty count, which includes a gunman and, tragically, a child among those who succumbed to their injuries overnight. According to CBS News, quoting US intelligence, one of the alleged attackers has been identified as a Pakistani national.

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Here are the latest details emerging from the ongoing investigation into the Bondi Beach shooting:

Father-son perpetrators identified

Commissioner Lanyon announced that the initial investigation points to a "father and son" as the two gunmen behind the bloodbath. The suspects have been identified as a 50-year-old and a 24-year-old. The 50-year-old father was killed during the attack, while his 24-year-old son sustained critical injuries but is currently stable.

No search for a third gunman

As fears of multiple assailants gripped the public, police have reassured the community that they are not seeking a third gunman. Commissioner Lanyon stated that investigators have concluded only two gunmen were involved in the targeted attack, bringing a measure of clarity to the scope of the threat.

One gunman was legally armed

Perhaps one of the most unsettling details to emerge is that the 50-year-old gunman, who was killed, held a valid firearm license for the past decade. Furthermore, he was legally registered to own at least six firearms, raising serious questions about gun control and oversight in the wake of such a devastating incident.

Attack planning remains unclear

While the ferocity of the assault suggested meticulous planning, Commissioner Lanyon noted that there is currently "no indication" that the attack was planned. However, he cautioned that the investigation is still in its initial stages. He also said that it is too early to determine the motive behind the tragic events of Sunday.

Five victims identified amidst rising death toll

As the nation mourns, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has reported the identification of at least five victims. The identified victims are Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Dan Elkayam, Alexander Kleytman, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, and Reuven Morrison. 

Death toll reaches 16

The increase in the death toll from 12 to 16 highlights the brutal impact of the attack. The investigation continues as authorities piece together the motive and circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.