A father and son, Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid, 50, are facing serious allegations in connection with the deaths of 15 individuals during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach. According to court documents released on March 15, 2024, the pair reportedly threw four homemade explosive devices into a crowded area before commencing their shooting spree.
The Australian police have indicated that the suspects engaged in tactical training prior to the attack and recorded a video justifying their actions. Naveed Akram appeared in court via video link from a Sydney hospital, where he is recovering after being charged with multiple counts, including murder and terrorism.
Details of the Attack and Preparations
Investigators have uncovered new allegations regarding the suspects’ preparations, stating they committed their violent acts after launching three pipe bombs and one “tennis ball bomb,” which did not detonate, from a footbridge overlooking the predominantly Jewish crowd on December 14, 2023. Police reports describe the pipe bombs as “viable,” made from sealed aluminum piping filled with explosive materials.
The suspects reportedly trained in a rural area of New South Wales in late October, with video evidence showing them firing shotguns and moving in a tactical manner. Images from this footage depict the two wearing black clothing while practicing their techniques.
A video recorded in late October also revealed the suspects sitting in front of an ISIS flag, expressing motivations for what they termed the “Bondi attack” and condemning actions attributed to “Zionists.”
Travel to the Philippines and Investigation
From November 1 to November 28, the Akram duo traveled to the Philippines, where they stayed at a budget hotel in Davao City. Hotel staff confirmed that the suspects initially booked a week-long stay at the GV Hotel before extending their reservation. Davao City, located on the island of Mindanao, has a history of being a hotspot for extremist groups, including Al Qaeda and ISIS.
Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete, the Philippine police regional director, stated that local authorities are conducting operations to trace the suspects’ movements during their stay, as well as examining any individuals they may have interacted with for potential links or support networks.
Following their return to Sydney, the suspects checked into an Airbnb from December 2 until December 21. During a search of their accommodation, police recovered multiple firearms, ammunition, a suspected homemade explosive, 3D-printed parts for a shotgun speed loader, and two copies of the Quran.
On the day of the attack, the suspects loaded their vehicle with two single-barrel shotguns, a rifle, four homemade explosive devices, and two ISIS flags. As they arrived at the site, the flags were prominently displayed in the vehicle’s front and rear windows.
While Sajid Akram was killed during the confrontation, Naveed Akram, who had been in a coma, is now facing 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and terrorism. The incident has prompted widespread mourning and outrage within Australia, particularly among the Jewish community, who feel that their concerns regarding rising antisemitism have gone unaddressed.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences and took responsibility for the tragedy during a vigil, stating, “I feel the weight of responsibility for an atrocity that happened whilst I’m prime minister.”
