The father and son duo of Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, are accused of orchestrating a devastating attack that resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach. According to Australian police, they allegedly threw four homemade explosive devices into the crowd before initiating a mass shooting on December 14, 2023. This shocking revelation was detailed in court documents released on Monday.
Investigators suggest that the suspects not only conducted training exercises leading up to the attack but also recorded a video justifying their actions. Naveed Akram appeared in court via video link from a Sydney hospital, where he remains charged with multiple offenses, including murder and terrorism. Authorities are currently examining potential connections to the Islamic State terror group and investigating whether the suspects received any external support during their travels to the southern Philippines in November, an area known for extremist activity.
Details of the Attack and Suspects’ Preparations
The police statement outlines a chilling sequence of events during the attack, which began with the suspects throwing three pipe bombs and one “tennis ball bomb” that failed to detonate onto the gathered crowd, primarily composed of Jewish attendees celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. Preliminary analyses of the explosives indicated they were “viable,” constructed from sealed aluminum piping filled with black powder and steel ball bearings.
In late October, the Akram duo reportedly trained in a rural area of New South Wales, with video evidence discovered on Naveed’s phone showing them engaging in tactical shooting drills with shotguns. Accompanying images depict the suspects in black attire, practicing in a green field. Additionally, authorities found a video in which they sat before an image of an ISIS flag, discussing their motivations for the attack and expressing disdain for “Zionists.”
From November 1 to November 28, the suspects traveled to the Philippines, where they checked into a budget hotel in Davao City, located on the island of Mindanao. This area has previously been identified as a haven for Al Qaeda and ISIS fighters. Philippine authorities confirmed the hotel stay, noting that the suspects had initially booked for one week but later extended their visit.
Investigation and Arrests Following the Attack
Upon their return to Sydney, the suspects checked into an Airbnb property from December 2 until December 21. Police reports detail that during this time, they amassed a cache of weapons, including several firearms, ammunition, a suspected homemade explosive device, and 3D-printed shotgun parts. They also possessed two copies of the Quran.
On the day of the attack, the suspects loaded their vehicle with two single-barrel shotguns, a rifle, and the four homemade bombs. Upon arriving at Bondi Beach, they displayed ISIS flags prominently in their car, ensuring visibility to the public. While Sajid Akram was killed at the scene, Naveed Akram survived and has since emerged from a coma, facing 59 charges in total, including 15 counts of murder.
The tragedy has prompted widespread grief and outrage within the Jewish community in Australia, many of whom feel their warnings about rising antisemitism were overlooked. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed remorse on Monday during a vigil for the victims, acknowledging the weight of responsibility he feels as the nation’s leader during such a profound atrocity.
The investigation continues as authorities delve deeper into the suspects’ backgrounds, their potential connections to extremist networks, and the implications of this act of violence on Australian society.
