By Harshit
SYDNEY, Dec. 22 —
Explosives Used at Start of Deadly Bondi Attack
Newly released court documents reveal that the suspected gunmen behind the Bondi Beach terror attack threw multiple improvised explosive devices at the very start of the assault, before opening fire on crowds gathered for a Hanukkah celebration.
The attack, which unfolded on December 14 at Bondi Beach in Sydney, left 15 people dead and dozens more injured, marking Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since 1996. According to police filings, several explosives—including three pipe bombs and a so-called “tennis ball bomb”—failed to detonate.
Authorities say the assault was meticulously planned over several months, involving reconnaissance, weapons training, and ideological preparation linked to the Islamic State group.
Father and Son Accused of Terror Plot
The documents identify Naveed Akram, 24, as the surviving suspect. He has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act.
The second alleged gunman, Sajid Akram, 50—Naveed’s father—was shot dead by police during an exchange of fire at the scene.
Investigators allege the two acted together throughout the planning and execution of the attack, transporting weapons, explosives and extremist propaganda to the beach shortly before the shooting began.
CCTV Shows Reconnaissance Days Before Shooting
According to police, CCTV footage from December 12 shows two men believed to be the Akrams visiting Bondi Beach two days before the attack, walking along the same footbridge from which they would later launch the assault.
“The accused and his father are seen exiting their vehicle and walking along the footbridge,” the police fact sheet states. “This is the same position where they attended two days later and shot at members of the public.”
Authorities say this visit constitutes clear evidence of reconnaissance and planning of a terrorist act.
Additional CCTV footage from earlier that day allegedly shows the pair leaving rented accommodation in the Sydney suburb of Campsie, carrying “long and bulky items wrapped in blankets,” which police say were firearms and explosive devices.
Weapons, Bombs and IS Flags Recovered
Police allege the men transported a significant cache of weapons, including:
- Two single-barrel shotguns
- A Beretta rifle
- Four improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
- Two Islamic State group flags
Court documents state that upon arriving at Bondi Beach around 6:50pm, the suspects parked their vehicle and hung IS flags inside the front and rear windows before unloading weapons and bombs.
Shortly after, they allegedly threw explosives toward the crowd. When none detonated, they opened fire using their firearms, killing 14 people at the scene. A 15th victim later died in hospital.
Training Footage and Ideological Videos
Police say they have obtained mobile phone videos recorded in October, weeks before the attack. One video allegedly shows both men seated in front of an Islamic State flag, making statements condemning “Zionists” and explaining their motivations.
In the same footage, Naveed Akram is recorded reciting a passage from the Quran in Arabic, police allege.
Separate videos from October reportedly show the father and son conducting firearms training in a rural location in New South Wales, firing shotguns and moving tactically.
Investigators say the footage demonstrates both ideological radicalisation and operational readiness.
Police Response and Arrest
During the attack, New South Wales Police engaged the gunmen in a firefight. Sajid Akram was killed at the scene, while Naveed Akram was critically injured by police gunfire.
After spending several days in hospital, Naveed Akram was released on Monday and transferred to prison, where he appeared briefly in court.
A temporary suppression order had initially prevented publication of police fact sheets to protect survivors’ identities. That order was lifted this week, allowing the release of redacted documents.
Political Fallout and Public Anger
The attack has intensified political pressure amid a rise in antisemitic incidents across Australia. On Sunday, Anthony Albanese was booed by sections of the crowd during a large memorial event in Sydney.
Albanese later apologised to the Jewish community and pledged stronger action against extremism.
“The government will work every day to protect Jewish Australians,” he said. “That includes protecting their right to practise their faith and live free from fear.”
The New South Wales government has since recalled parliament to debate new gun control and protest laws. Chris Minns acknowledged the proposals may be controversial but said public safety required decisive action.
Some civil liberties groups and gun-rights advocates have criticised the measures as excessive, warning they could restrict lawful protest and firearm ownership.
Investigation Continues
Police say forensic analysis of the explosives, firearms and digital devices is ongoing. Investigators are also examining whether the suspects received any external support or acted entirely alone.
For now, authorities say the evidence paints a picture of a deliberate, ideologically driven terror attack, carefully planned and narrowly prevented from becoming even deadlier due only to the failure of the explosives to detonate.