Newly released court documents have revealed chilling details about the preparation and execution of the Bondi Beach terror attack that left at least 15 people dead and dozens more injured during a Hanukkah event on December 14, 2025. According to police and court sources, the father-and-son duo accused of carrying out the assault allegedly practiced shooting and hurled improvised explosive devices at the crowd before opening fire.
The suspects, identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram and his father, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, reportedly threw up to four improvised explosive devices, including pipe bombs and a so-called “tennis ball bomb,” at attendees shortly before beginning to shoot. None of the bombs detonated, but authorities considered them viable explosive devices.
Court documents further indicate that the pair spent months preparing for the attack, conducting firearms training in a rural area of New South Wales where they were recorded firing shotguns and practicing tactical movements. Screenshots from these videos were included in the police fact sheet submitted to the court. Authorities also allege the suspects recorded extremist videos, one reportedly filmed in front of an Islamic State flag, in which they condemned “Zionists” and outlined their motivations for the Bondi attack.
On December 14, the Akram duo reportedly drove to Archer Park near Bondi Beach, placing Islamic State flags on their vehicle before launching their attack on the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration, a Jewish community event. After throwing the unexploded devices, they opened fire on the crowd from a nearby footbridge. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene, while Naveed was wounded and later arrested. Naveed now faces dozens of charges, including multiple counts of murder and terrorism-related offenses.
The release of the detailed police fact sheet has drawn attention to the level of planning and radicalization evident in the suspects’ actions. Authorities have highlighted the discovery of weapons, bomb-making materials, and extremist content at locations linked to the attackers. The revelations have intensified debates in Australia about extremist threats, gun control, and the effectiveness of counter-terrorism measures.
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