Shocking new allegations have emerged in the Bondi Beach terror attack case, with court documents revealing the accused gunmen allegedly threw multiple homemade explosive devices, including one disguised as a tennis ball, before opening fire on a Jewish community event last December.
Homemade Bombs and a Meticulously Planned Attack
According to a newly released police fact sheet, the father-son duo, Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid Akram, 50, are accused of carrying out a meticulously planned terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State ideology. The attack on the 'Hanukkah By The Sea' event on December 14 left 15 people dead and dozens injured.
The documents allege the pair were armed with three pipe bombs and a fourth device made from a tennis ball, all described as viable improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Police claim the bombs were constructed using sealed aluminium piping filled with black powder and steel ball bearings. While none detonated, analysis indicates they were capable of causing serious harm.
The explosives were allegedly thrown towards people gathered near Archer Park moments before the shooting started. Chilling images of these alleged devices were made public for the first time this week.
Reconnaissance, Training Videos, and Extremist Motivation
Further chilling details point to extensive planning. CCTV footage from December 12, two days before the massacre, allegedly shows Naveed and Sajid Akram scouting the footbridge and car park at the attack site, which police say supports claims of "reconnaissance and planning of a terrorist act".
Investigators also allege that videos recovered from Naveed Akram’s phone show months of preparation. One clip from October allegedly shows the pair conducting firearms training in a rural location in New South Wales. Another video reportedly shows them seated before an Islamic State flag, with Naveed Akram reciting from the Qur'an before both made statements condemning "Zionists" and outlining their extremist motivations.
Police state the men travelled to Bondi in a silver Hyundai Elantra from an Airbnb in Campsie, loaded with two single-barrel shotguns, a Beretta rifle, IS flags, and the homemade explosives.
Aftermath and Legal Charges
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene. His son, Naveed, was wounded, placed in a coma, and taken into custody after waking last week. The shooting also left two police officers seriously injured. Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert, 22, was blinded in one eye, and Constable Scott Dyson, 24, required emergency surgery.
Naveed Akram now faces 59 charges, including one count of committing a terrorist act, 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, and offences related to explosives, firearms, and terrorist symbols. He is scheduled to return to court in April.
