Fresh details released by New South Wales Police have revealed chilling evidence of planning and radicalisation behind the deadly attack at a Hanukkah gathering at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on December 14, which left people aged between 10 and 87 dead and injured 40 others.
Father killed, son faces dozens of charges
Police allege that Naveed Akram (24) and his father Sajid Akram (50) carried out the attack during the Jewish religious event. Sajid was shot dead by police at the scene, while Naveed was injured and later arrested. He has since been charged with 59 offences and transferred to prison after hospital treatment.
What initially appeared to be a sudden act of violence has now been described by investigators as a carefully planned terror attack.
Firearms training and explosives recovered
According to a police fact sheet released after a suppression order was lifted by a New South Wales court, the duo had conducted firearms training in a rural area believed to be within New South Wales in late October.
“The accused and his father are seen firing shotguns and moving in a tactical manner,” police stated, after releasing images showing both men armed during the training exercise.
On the day of the attack, the pair allegedly hurled homemade bombs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the gathering. While the devices failed to detonate, police later confirmed they were “viable” explosives.
ISIS flags, weapons and ‘justification’ video
Investigators said the men stored three pipe bombs, a “tennis ball bomb”, and a larger IED in a silver Hyundai car parked near the attack site. The vehicle also allegedly contained two shotguns, a Beretta rifle, ammunition, and Islamic State flags displayed inside the car.
A mobile phone recovered from the vehicle allegedly contained videos of firearms training and another clip showing the men seated before an Islamic State flag, appearing to outline their justification for the attack.
Police also allege the pair carried out reconnaissance at Bondi Beach two days before the incident and transported weapons disguised in blankets from an Airbnb in Campsie.
Political response and new gun laws
In the aftermath, Anthony Albanese visited the site to pay tribute to the victims. The New South Wales government has announced draft gun law reforms, with Premier Chris Minns promising the toughest firearm restrictions in Australia, including citizenship-linked licensing.
The investigation continues, with police stressing the importance of counter-radicalisation and intelligence-led policing to prevent such attacks.