The suspected gunmen behind the deadly Bondi gunmen planned attack Beach attack meticulously planned the assault for several months, practised shooting weeks in advance, and carried out reconnaissance at the site just days before the attack, according to newly released court documents.
Police allege the attackers threw explosive devices at the start of the incident before opening fire on a Hanukkah celebration on 14 December. Fifteen people were killed and dozens more injured in what authorities have described as a terrorist attack.
Court documents state that the explosives included pipe bombs and a so-called “tennis ball bomb”, none of which detonated. Investigators say the failure of the devices likely prevented even greater loss of life.
Naveed Akram, 24, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one terrorism offence. A second alleged gunman, identified as his father Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police at the scene.
Suppression Order Lifted, New Details Revealed Bondi gunmen planned attack
A temporary suppression order had been placed on the police fact sheet to protect the identities of survivors. That order was lifted on Monday, allowing the publication of documents containing detailed allegations, with some redactions.
The files outline multiple videos and CCTV recordings tracing the movements of the accused in the months, days and hours leading up to the attack.
One video, allegedly recorded in October on a mobile phone, is described by police as showing the two men sitting in front of an Islamic State (IS) flag. Investigators say they made statements outlining their motivations and condemned what they described as the actions of “Zionists”.
Police also allege that Naveed Akram is heard reciting a passage from the Quran in Arabic in the same recording.
Firearms Training and Reconnaissance
Separate footage from October allegedly shows father and son conducting firearms training in a rural location believed to be in New South Wales. Police claim the pair were seen firing shotguns and moving in a tactical manner.
CCTV footage from the evening of 12 December reportedly captures two men believed to be the accused and his father near Bondi Beach. The court documents say they exited their vehicle and walked along a footbridge later used during the attack.
Police allege this footage demonstrates reconnaissance and advance planning of a terrorist act.
Timeline of the Attack
According to investigators, at around 2:00am on the day of the attack, CCTV footage shows two men leaving rented accommodation in Campsie carrying long, bulky items wrapped in blankets and placing them into a car.
Police allege these items included two single-barrel shotguns, a Beretta rifle, four improvised explosive devices, and two Islamic State flags.
Later that afternoon, the men were seen leaving the rental property. CCTV footage shows them arriving at Bondi Beach at around 6:50pm, where they parked and placed IS flags inside the front and rear windows of their vehicle.
The documents allege the men then removed firearms and explosive devices from the car and walked towards a footbridge overlooking the crowd.
From that location, police believe the gunmen threw three pipe bombs and a tennis ball bomb towards the gathering. None of the devices detonated.
Shortly afterwards, the attackers allegedly opened fire on the crowd. Fourteen people were killed at the scene, with a fifteenth victim later dying in hospital.
Police Response and Arrest
During an exchange of gunfire, Sajid Akram was shot and killed by New South Wales Police officers. Naveed Akram was critically injured by police and taken to hospital.
Authorities confirmed that Naveed Akram was released from hospital on Monday and transferred into custody, where he now remains on remand.
Investigators also allege that a homemade explosive device was later found in the boot of the attackers’ vehicle.
Political Fallout and Legislative Response
The attack has triggered widespread political reaction amid growing concern over a rise in antisemitic incidents in Australia in recent months.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was booed by sections of the crowd at a large memorial event. He later apologised to the Jewish community and pledged to introduce tougher laws targeting extremism and hate speech.
“The government will work every day to protect Jewish Australians and their fundamental rights,” Albanese said, vowing stronger protections for religious freedom and public safety.
The shooting has also renewed calls for stricter gun control. On Monday, the New South Wales government recalled parliament to debate proposed new gun and protest laws introduced in response to the attack.
While civil liberties groups and pro-gun advocates have raised concerns about potential overreach, NSW Premier Chris Minns defended the measures, saying some may feel they go too far but are necessary to keep the community safe.
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By The News Update — Updated December 2025
