Court Documents Detail Alleged Explosives and Planning in Bondi Beach Incident
Newly released court documents indicate that four undetonated explosive devices, including a "tennis ball bomb," were allegedly thrown at the beginning of an incident at a Jewish festival in Bondi Beach on December 14. Naveed Akram, 24, faces numerous charges, including 15 counts of murder, in connection with the event. Akram, who sustained a gunshot wound from police during the incident, was released from hospital and transferred to a correctional facility on Monday. His father, Sajid Akram, identified as the second alleged participant, died after being shot.
Police Allegations Regarding Planning and Motivation
Police assert that the Akrams "meticulously planned" the incident over several months. Evidence presented includes videos reportedly found on Naveed Akram's phone, which police allege demonstrate a motivation rooted in "violent extremist ideology" connected to the Islamic State group.
- One alleged video, recorded in October, shows the two individuals in front of an Islamic State flag, articulating their purported reasons for the Bondi Beach incident and criticizing "the acts of 'Zionists'."
- In this same video, Naveed Akram allegedly recites a passage from the Quran in Arabic.
- Another video reportedly depicts the pair engaging in firearms training with shotguns and tactical movements in what police believe to be rural New South Wales during October.
Evidence of Reconnaissance and Preparation
CCTV footage collected two days prior to the incident reportedly shows the Akrams driving to Bondi Beach and conducting reconnaissance. Police state that the two individuals are seen exiting their vehicle and walking along the same footbridge from which they allegedly later fired upon individuals.
Hours before the December 14 incident, CCTV also captured the Akrams leaving rented accommodation in the Sydney suburb of Campsie. They were allegedly carrying "long and bulky items wrapped in blankets." Police assert these items were three firearms, homemade improvised explosive devices (including the "tennis ball bomb"), and two Islamic State flags, which were placed in a vehicle. The individuals then allegedly drove to Bondi Beach, parked, and displayed the flags inside the vehicle's front and rear windows.
After removing the firearms and homemade bombs from the car, they allegedly proceeded towards the footbridge. Police claim that three homemade pipe bombs and the "tennis ball bomb" were thrown as they neared the bridge. These devices reportedly did not detonate but were assessed as "viable." A fifth explosive device was later discovered in their vehicle, according to previous police statements.
Court Proceedings Update
A temporary suppression order on the fact sheet, enacted last week to protect the identities of survivors, was lifted on Monday following an application by media organizations to the New South Wales Local Court. The names of most survivors, however, remain redacted. Naveed Akram, who was critically injured, did not appear at Monday's court hearing.