The violent incident at Bondi Beach involving a father and son has deeply unsettled the community. Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid Akram, 50, are accused of planning a terrorist attack. Authorities have seized videos allegedly made by the duo, which express their motivations for the assault. These recordings reportedly include quotations from the Quran and declarations directed at ‘Zionists,’ while they displayed firearms.
A video purportedly filmed in October shows the two men in front of an Islamic State flag, outlining their intentions for the attack. Law enforcement officials assert that Naveed recited passages from the Quran in Arabic, followed by discussions in English about their motivations, linking their actions to their anti-Zionist sentiments.
Evidence of preparation and intent
The investigation has uncovered a series of images and recordings from firearms training sessions conducted by the Akram duo in a remote area of New South Wales. According to police, the footage reveals them engaging in tactical maneuvers while firing shotguns, indicating the premeditated nature of their actions.
Mother’s perspective
In a surprising development, Naveed Akram’s mother told investigators she believed her son and husband were on a fishing trip. She reported receiving daily calls from Naveed at a public payphone, which obscured their true activities during this critical period.
Leading up to the attack, the pair allegedly took photographs with firearms and homemade explosive devices, demonstrating a clear intent to commit violence. These images were part of a previously sealed statement of facts that has now been released by a court in New South Wales.
Chronology of the attack
CCTV footage has been crucial in reconstructing the timeline of events preceding the attack. The police report indicates that Naveed and Sajid Akram adhered to extremist ideologies associated with Islamic State, as evidenced by their speeches and the display of ISIS flags during the assault. Authorities claim that the men meticulously planned their actions over several months.
This planning reportedly involved creating an ISIS-inspired video, fabricating flags, conducting firearms training, and assembling improvised explosive devices. They even secured accommodation to serve as a staging area for their attack, which was aimed at a Jewish community gathering at Bondi Beach.
Details of the attack
On December 14, 2025, the Akram family arrived near Bondi Beach and allegedly opened fire on a crowd attending a Hanukkah celebration, resulting in numerous casualties. Sajid Akram was shot and killed by police during the ensuing chaos.
According to police, the two men utilized homemade bombs and explosive devices, which they attempted to throw into the crowd, although these devices failed to detonate. Authorities discovered that the explosives consisted of sealed aluminum piping filled with black powder and steel ball bearings, classifying them as viable improvised explosive devices.
Charges and court proceedings
Naveed Akram faces multiple charges, including one count of committing a terrorist act, 15 counts of murder, and 40 counts of attempted murder. The court proceedings have garnered significant public interest, prompting Deputy Chief Magistrate Michael Antrim to issue orders to protect the identities of certain survivors, unless they consent to media engagement.
A video purportedly filmed in October shows the two men in front of an Islamic State flag, outlining their intentions for the attack. Law enforcement officials assert that Naveed recited passages from the Quran in Arabic, followed by discussions in English about their motivations, linking their actions to their anti-Zionist sentiments.0
A video purportedly filmed in October shows the two men in front of an Islamic State flag, outlining their intentions for the attack. Law enforcement officials assert that Naveed recited passages from the Quran in Arabic, followed by discussions in English about their motivations, linking their actions to their anti-Zionist sentiments.1
