The recent mass shooting at Bondi Beach has shocked Australia, with new details emerging about the actions of the accused father-son duo, Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50. Investigators allege that they threw four homemade explosive devices into a crowd gathered for a Hanukkah celebration before launching their shooting spree, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals. These revelations stem from court documents made public on Monday, detailing the suspects’ preparations for the tragic event.
According to Australian police, the Akram duo conducted extensive training before the attack. They reportedly recorded a video justifying their actions and expressing their motivations. Naveed Akram appeared in court via video link from a Sydney hospital, facing multiple charges, including murder and terrorism. Authorities are exploring whether the suspects were inspired by the Islamic State terror group and if they received any external support during their travels to the southern Philippines in November.
Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in three decades has intensified feelings of mourning and anger within the Jewish community, which has expressed concerns about rising antisemitism. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced criticism during a vigil for the victims, where he acknowledged the weight of responsibility for the tragedy that occurred during his term as prime minister.
Details of the Attack and Preparations
The police statement outlines a disturbing sequence of events leading up to the attack. On December 14, the suspects reportedly threw three pipe bombs and one “tennis ball bomb,” which failed to detonate, from a footbridge overlooking the predominantly Jewish crowd. New South Wales police described the pipe bombs as “viable,” made from sealed aluminum piping filled with explosive materials and steel ball bearings.
Investigators revealed that the Akram duo trained in a rural area of New South Wales in late October. A video found on Naveed’s phone showed them firing shotguns and moving in a tactical manner, reinforcing the premeditated nature of their actions. The court documents included images from this video, depicting the suspects in black clothing, practicing their shooting skills.
Additionally, police discovered a video recorded in October that featured the suspects seated in front of an ISIS flag, making statements about their motivation for the “Bondi attack” and condemning actions by “Zionists.” From November 1 to November 28, the father-son duo traveled to the Philippines, where they stayed in a budget hotel in Davao City, a region previously known as a hotspot for extremist activities.
Investigations and Ongoing Developments
Philippine authorities confirmed that the suspects initially booked a week-long stay at the GV Hotel but later extended their visit, prompting local police to conduct backtracking operations to trace their movements during their time in the country. Brigadier General Leon Victor Rosete, the police regional director, indicated that investigators were examining individuals the suspects interacted with to assess potential support networks.
Upon returning to Sydney, the Akram duo checked into an Airbnb from December 2 until December 21. Authorities reported recovering several firearms, ammunition, suspected homemade explosives, and two copies of the Quran from their rental. On the day of the attack, they loaded two single-barrel shotguns, a rifle, four homemade explosive devices, and two ISIS flags into their vehicle. Upon arrival at the scene, they displayed the flags prominently in their car’s windows.
While Sajid Akram was killed on-site during the attack, Naveed Akram has regained consciousness after being hospitalized. He now faces a total of 59 charges, including terrorism and 15 counts of murder. The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover the full extent of their planning and any possible connections to larger extremist networks.
