Sajid Akram — one of the two shooters who
killed 15 people at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening — had a category AB firearm licence, and was legally in possession of six guns, according to the NSW police commissioner.
It may seem like a heavy-duty kit, but having six weapons is actually a pretty ordinary haul for an Australian gun owner.
In 2024, Australian gun licensees owned 4.3 firearms each on average, according to research from the Australia Institute.
And some individuals have hundreds each.
"There are two individuals in inner Sydney who own over 300 firearms each," the Australia Institute report says. "Owning this many guns is legal under firearm laws in all states and territories except WA."
To apply for a gun licence, NSW residents need to meet some basic requirements — be over 18, have no criminal record — and also supply a reason.