Australian authorities have stated that the two men accused of carrying out a deadly terror attack at Bondi beach earlier this month were not part of a broader terrorist cell.
Investigation Finds No Evidence of Wider Network
The update came from Australia Federal Police (AFP) commissioner Krissy Barrett on Tuesday 30 December 2025. She addressed the investigation into the attack on 14 December, which saw gunmen open fire on a crowd of over 1,000 people celebrating the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah in Bondi's Archer Park. Fifteen people died and dozens more were injured in the assault.
Commissioner Barrett revealed that an initial probe into why the suspects, Naveed Akram and his father Sajid Akram, spent most of November in the Philippines found no evidence they received training or logistical preparation there. Police in the Philippines reported the pair had rarely left their hotel in Davao City.
"These individuals are alleged to have acted alone," Barrett said. She reiterated a belief they were inspired by the so-called Islamic State group but stressed: "There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a broader terrorist cell, or were directed by others to carry out an attack." Naveed Akram now faces 59 charges, while Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene.
Heightened Security for Sydney's New Year Celebrations
In response to the attack, New South Wales Police have pledged to deploy all available resources for New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney. More than 2,500 officers – many of them armed – will be on duty across the city.
State premier Chris Minns defended the significant security operation, stating that "security needs to change." He encouraged the public to attend the traditional fireworks at Sydney Harbour as an act of defiance. "It's an opportunity to thumb our nose at the terrorists and their ideology," Minns said.
City to Commemorate Victims
Sydney's Lord Mayor Clover Moore announced that the victims of the Bondi attack will be commemorated at 11pm on New Year's Eve. The tribute will include a minute's silence and images of a Jewish menorah projected onto the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
