The father and son duo, Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, are accused of carrying out a deadly attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals. According to Australian police, the suspects threw four homemade explosive devices into the crowd before embarking on a shooting spree on December 14, 2023. These new details emerged from court documents released on Monday, which outline the preparation and execution of the assault.
In the days leading up to the attack, the Akram duo allegedly conducted tactical training and recorded a video outlining their motivations. This information raises serious concerns about the influence of extremist ideologies, particularly as authorities believe the pair was inspired by the Islamic State. Investigators are currently examining whether the suspects received any external support, focusing on their trip to the southern Philippines in November, an area known for its history of extremism.
The incident has sparked widespread grief and anger within the Jewish community in Australia, many of whom feel their warnings about rising antisemitism have been overlooked. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced public backlash, including boos, during a vigil for the victims. He expressed his deep remorse, stating, “I feel the weight of responsibility for an atrocity that happened whilst I’m prime minister.”
Details of the Attack and Preparations
The police report describes how the suspects initiated their attack by throwing three pipe bombs and one “tennis ball bomb” from a footbridge overlooking the gathering. Although one explosive device failed to detonate, preliminary analyses indicate that the pipe bombs were constructed from sealed aluminum piping filled with explosive material and steel ball bearings, making them “viable” according to police.
In late October, the Akram duo reportedly trained at a remote location in New South Wales. Evidence collected from Naveed Akram’s phone included video footage showing them firing shotguns and engaging in tactical maneuvers. The police also discovered a recording from the same period where the suspects, seated before an image of an ISIS flag, made statements justifying their planned attack and denouncing “Zionists.”
The suspects traveled to the Philippines from November 1 to November 28, staying in a budget hotel in Davao City, an area previously recognized as a haven for Al Qaeda and ISIS affiliates. Philippine authorities have initiated efforts to trace their movements during this trip, scrutinizing their interactions and existing networks.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigations
Upon returning to Sydney, the Akram duo rented an Airbnb room from December 2 to December 21. During a search of the premises, police recovered multiple firearms, ammunition, a suspected homemade explosive device, and two copies of the Quran. On the day of the attack, they loaded their vehicle with two single-barrel shotguns, a rifle, four homemade explosives, and two ISIS flags, displaying the flags prominently in their car.
While Sajid Akram was killed at the scene, Naveed Akram remains hospitalized after waking from a coma. He now faces a total of 59 charges, which include terrorism-related offenses and 15 counts of murder.
As investigations continue, Australian authorities are under increasing pressure to address the rising tide of extremism and antisemitism. The Bondi attack marks one of the most horrific mass shootings in Australia in the past three decades, prompting calls for enhanced security measures and community support to prevent future tragedies.
