The viral screenshot claiming the Bondi Beach shooter is an Israeli named "David Cohen" is fabricated. Image analysis revealed digital tampering, garbled text and non-existent Facebook profiles. Official reports and multiple fact-checkers identify the suspects as Naveed Akram and Sajid Akram, not the person named in the post. Do not share the screenshot; rely on verified sources.
Fact Check: Viral 'David Cohen' Facebook Screenshot Linking Israeli Identity To Bondi Beach Shooter Is Fake
Lead Stories says: Edited & AI
The widely shared screenshot purporting to show a "leaked Facebook profile" proving the Bondi Beach shooter is an Israeli named "David Cohen" is fabricated. Technical analysis and independent fact-checking show the image contains clear signs of digital manipulation and likely AI-generated artifacts. Official reports identify the suspects as Naveed Akram and Sajid Akram, not the person named in the viral post.
Image source: X.com post by account @Emeliay8gk
What Was Claimed
Leaked Facebook profile of the Bondi beach shooter before it got deleted. His real name is David Cohen and he's JEWISH, FROM ISRAEL‼️
How The Claim Was Checked
Investigators and fact-checkers used reverse-image searches, contrast adjustments, and name searches on Facebook to examine the circulating image. Lead Stories located a clearer copy of the screenshot, allowing closer inspection. AFP Fact Check and the Australian Associated Press (AAP) independently reviewed the same material and reached the same conclusion: the screenshot is not authentic.
Image source: post by @RohitMishra2024 on x.com
Key Problems Found
- Inconsistent background tones: Reducing contrast reveals uneven white areas and artifacts that indicate editing rather than a genuine screen capture.
- Garbled and misspelled text: The image contains distorted words and improbable entries such as "Ernsage," "Eopis," "Feopis," and odd phrases like "Add a new Friends," which are not consistent with Facebook UI.
- Nonexistent profiles: Names shown in the screenshot (for example, "Jewish Bronnen" and "Richeal Patiam") could not be found via Facebook's People search, suggesting they were generated or inserted.
- Independent confirmation: Multiple reputable fact-checkers (Lead Stories, AFP Fact Check, AAP) concluded the image is digitally altered and not evidence that the shooter was Israeli or named David Cohen.
Official Record
Contemporaneous news reporting and police statements identify the alleged attackers in the December 14, 2025 Bondi Beach incident as Naveed Akram and Sajid Akram. For example, NPR, citing The Associated Press, reported that 24-year-old Naveed Akram was charged after recovering consciousness in a Sydney hospital, and that his father, Sajid Akram, died at the scene.
Image: detail of the alleged "David Cohen" Facebook profile image with contrast decreased by Lead Stories.
Bottom Line
The viral Facebook screenshot claiming the shooter was an Israeli named "David Cohen" is false. The image shows multiple signs of digital tampering and probable AI artifacts, and official sources identify the suspects as Naveed and Sajid Akram. Do not share the screenshot as evidence; rely on verified reporting from authorities and established news organizations.
Image: collage of details made by Lead Stories.
Advice: If you see similar viral claims, pause before sharing, check reputable news outlets, and consult fact-checking organizations to verify authenticity.
