Australian authorities have revealed alarming new details regarding the actions of a father and son, accused of a tragic shooting that resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach. According to court documents released on Monday, the suspects, Naveed Akram, aged 24, and his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, allegedly threw four homemade explosive devices into the crowd before commencing their shooting spree on December 14, 2023.
The investigation has uncovered that the duo conducted extensive training ahead of the attack, including a video recording that purportedly outlines their justification for the violence, as stated by Australian police. Naveed Akram appeared in court via video link from a Sydney hospital, facing multiple charges including murder and terrorism. The authorities are currently examining whether the suspects, inspired by the Islamic State, received any external support for their actions.
Details of the Attack and Preparations
The police statement outlines a sequence of events leading up to the violent act, much of which had not been previously reported. The father and son allegedly initiated their attack by throwing three pipe bombs and one “tennis ball bomb” from a footbridge over the gathering, which was predominantly Jewish. New South Wales police described the pipe bombs as being composed of sealed aluminum piping filled with explosive materials and steel ball bearings, emphasizing that they were deemed “viable.”
Preparation for the attack was evident, with police asserting that the suspects practiced in a rural location in New South Wales in late October. A video found on Naveed Akram’s phone showed the two firing shotguns and maneuvering in a tactical manner, as indicated by police. The court documents included images from this footage, depicting the suspects in black attire while training in a green field.
Additionally, investigators discovered a video recorded in late October where the suspects expressed their motivations for the attack while seated in front of an image of an ISIS flag. This disturbing footage included statements condemning actions they attributed to “Zionists.”
Travel to the Philippines and Ongoing Investigations
From November 1 to November 28, the suspects traveled to the Philippines, where they stayed in a modest hotel in Davao City, known for its historical ties to extremist groups. Philippine authorities reported that the suspects initially booked their stay at the GV Hotel for one week but later extended their reservation. Experts have noted that the region still harbors factions aligned with ISIS.
Following their return to Sydney, the suspects checked into a rental property through Airbnb, where police later recovered firearms, ammunition, a suspected homemade explosive device, and parts for a shotgun. On the day of the attack, they loaded multiple firearms and explosive devices into their vehicle, displaying two ISIS flags prominently on the windscreen.
While Sajid Akram was killed during the attack, Naveed Akram has since emerged from a coma and now faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and terrorism. The massacre has incited a profound sense of mourning and anger within the Jewish community, many of whom feel that their concerns regarding rising antisemitism were overlooked.
During a vigil for the victims, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his deep remorse, acknowledging the weight of responsibility he feels following the tragedy. His apology came after he faced public disapproval while attending the event, highlighting the community’s pain and frustration in the aftermath of this devastating incident.
