Bondi Attack Suspects Allegedly Used Explosives and Trained for Shooting Before Incident, Court Papers Say
New court documents have revealed fresh details about the deadly Bondi Beach attack, alleging that the two suspected gunmen threw improvised explosives at the start of the incident and carried out firearms training weeks before the attack.
The shooting took place on 14 December during a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach in Sydney, leaving 15 people dead and many others injured. Authorities say several explosive devices were thrown toward the crowd, including a so-called “tennis ball bomb”, but none of them detonated.
Naveed Akram, 24, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one terrorism-related charge. His father, Sajid Akram, who police say acted alongside him, was shot dead during an exchange of fire with officers at the scene.
According to police documents released this week, investigators allege the pair planned the attack over several months. Two days before the shooting, they are said to have visited Bondi Beach to survey the area.
The documents were made public after a temporary court order limiting their release was lifted, though some details remain redacted to protect survivors.
Police say videos recovered from mobile phones show the two men together in October, including footage in which they are allegedly seen in front of an image associated with the Islamic State group. Investigators claim the videos include statements criticising “Zionists”, as well as religious recitations.
Separate footage is said to show the father and son practising with firearms at a rural location in New South Wales. Police allege the men can be seen firing shotguns and moving in a coordinated manner.
CCTV images from 12 December reportedly place the two men near Bondi Beach, walking across the same footbridge from which the attack was later launched. Authorities say this supports claims of reconnaissance and planning.
On the morning of the attack, surveillance footage shows two men leaving rented accommodation in Sydney carrying large wrapped items, which police allege included firearms, improvised explosive devices and extremist flags.
Later that evening, the suspects are said to have arrived at Bondi Beach and removed weapons from their vehicle before heading toward the crowd. Investigators allege explosives were thrown first, followed by gunfire.
Fourteen people were killed at the scene, while another later died in hospital from injuries.
Naveed Akram was seriously wounded during the police response and was transferred to custody this week following his discharge from hospital.
The attack has prompted renewed debate in New South Wales over gun control, public safety and protections for the Jewish community. State lawmakers have been recalled to discuss proposed changes to firearm and protest laws, with officials saying the measures are aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.