New court documents have revealed that the deadly Bondi Beach attack was allegedly planned over several months, with police claiming the gunmen carried out reconnaissance visits, firearms training, and explosives preparation before opening fire on a Hanukkah celebration.
Australian police allege that the Bondi Beach attackers “meticulously” planned the assault well in advance.
According to the documents, the suspects visited Bondi two days before the attack to scope out the area, a move investigators describe as clear reconnaissance for a terrorist act.
The attack took place on December 14, when two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah gathering near Bondi Beach.
Fourteen people were killed at the scene, while another victim later died in hospital. Dozens more were injured during the shooting.
Police allege the attackers began the assault by throwing improvised explosive devices towards the crowd.
These included three pipe bombs and a so-called “tennis ball bomb,” none of which detonated, according to court filings.
Father-son duo identified as gunmen
Naveed Akram, 24, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of terrorism.
The second gunman, identified as his father Sajid Akram, was shot dead by New South Wales police during an exchange of fire at the scene.
Court documents describe multiple videos allegedly recorded by the accused in the months before the attack.
One video from October reportedly shows the men seated in front of an Islamic State (IS) flag, making statements condemning “Zionists.” Naveed Akram is also said to be heard reciting verses from the Quran in Arabic.
Firearms training caught on camera
Separate footage from October allegedly shows the father and son conducting firearms training in a rural area of New South Wales.
Police say the pair can be seen firing shotguns and moving tactically, suggesting preparation for an armed attack.
CCTV footage from December 12 shows two men believed to be the accused and his father near Bondi Beach.
Investigators say they were seen walking along the same footbridge from which explosives and gunfire were later directed at the public.
Weapons and flags transported to Bondi
On the day of the attack, CCTV captured the men leaving rental accommodation in Campsie carrying long items wrapped in blankets.
Police allege these included firearms, four improvised explosive devices, and Islamic State flags, which were later displayed inside their vehicle at Bondi.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police officers.
Naveed Akram was critically injured, later discharged from hospital, and transferred to prison earlier this week.
The attack has intensified scrutiny on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, particularly over intelligence handling and previous investigations into Naveed Akram’s alleged extremist ties.
The Jewish community has called for stronger action against antisemitism, while pressure mounts for a Royal Commission into the attack.
In response, New South Wales recalled its parliament to debate proposed new gun control and protest laws.
While the government argues the measures are necessary for public safety, civil rights and pro-gun groups have raised concerns over potential overreach.
