Credited from: LATIMES
The recent investigation into the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney has unveiled chilling details of a meticulously planned terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration. Allegations indicate that the two assailants, Naveed Akram and his father Sajid Akram, executed their plan by first throwing four improvised explosive devices toward the gathered crowd. These devices, which included three aluminum pipe bombs and a tennis ball bomb, failed to detonate but were described by police as "viable" improvised explosive devices (IEDs) capable of causing harm, according to Indiatimes, CBS News, LA Times, and Africa News.
Police documents highlight that Naveed and Sajid Akram conducted firearms training in a remote area of New South Wales and recorded videos justifying their actions prior to the attack. In these videos, they expressed their political and religious ideologies, which included condemnation of "Zionists" and an adherence to a narrative aligned with Islamic State extremism. These findings emphasize the premeditated nature of their actions leading up to the December 14 assault, as noted by Indiatimes, CBS News, LA Times, and Africa News.
Following the attack, Naveed Akram was charged with 59 crimes, including 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm. Additionally, the incident has prompted the New South Wales government to propose stricter gun control laws, which would require Australian citizenship to qualify for a firearms license — a direct response intended to prevent similar incidents in the future. This development comes after the previous shooting was labeled as the worst mass shooting in Australia since a 1996 incident in Tasmania, as highlighted by Indiatimes, CBS News, LA Times, and Africa News.
As authorities continue their investigation, the community has expressed grief, with memorials being erected near the attack site to honor those lost. Meanwhile, at least 12 individuals who were injured during the attack remain hospitalized, underscoring the impact of this tragic event, according to Indiatimes, CBS News, LA Times, and Africa News.