Newly released police documents have revealed disturbing details about the planning behind the horrific Bondi Beach terror attack, including that the suspect underwent firearms training with his father just days before the deadly assault.
Father-Son Training and Failed Explosives
According to the police statement of facts, Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, carried out tactical firearms training in a rural area of New South Wales outside Sydney in October. Images released show Sajid Akram firing a shotgun during these sessions.
The pair allegedly began their attack on December 14 during a Jewish festival near the famous Sydney beach by throwing four homemade explosive devices into the crowd. Police described the devices as three aluminium pipe bombs and a tennis ball bomb filled with black powder and ball bearings.
None of the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) detonated, though authorities have classified them as viable. The attackers then proceeded with firearms, resulting in the deaths of 15 people in Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996.
Video Evidence and Legal Aftermath
Police state that a video recovered from Naveed Akram's phone shows the pair reciting their political and religious views to justify the attack. In the footage, they condemn Zionists and express an ideology linked to Islamic State.
Sajid Akram was shot dead by police during the incident, while his son was treated for an abdomen injury. Naveed Akram has since been transferred from hospital to prison and faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one of committing a terrorist act.
Policy Response and Firearms Ownership
In the wake of the atrocity, the New South Wales government has introduced draft legislation described by Premier Chris Minns as the toughest in Australia. The proposed laws would make Australian citizenship a prerequisite for a firearms licence.
This comes as it was revealed that Sajid Akram legally owned six rifles and shotguns. The new laws would impose a recreational limit of four guns. Police allege the attack, which targeted the start of Hanukkah celebrations, was meticulously planned over many months.
