New evidence has emerged surrounding the horrific Bondi Beach terror attack, identifying 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, as the perpetrators. The pair opened fire on a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on December 14, killing 15 people and injuring 40 others, including two responding police officers.

Sajid Akram, shot dead at the scene, hailed from Hyderabad, India, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree before migrating to Australia in 1998. He transitioned to a partner visa after marrying Naveed’s mother, Venera. Investigations revealed he returned to India six times for family and property matters, with his last visit in 2022. Indian authorities stated he had limited contact with relatives over 27 years, and there was no evidence of radicalization linked to his homeland.

Authorities believe the meticulously planned attack involved firearms and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Police allege that three pipe bombs and a “tennis ball bomb” were thrown at the crowd before the Akrams began shooting; none detonated. Evidence also includes an ISIS-inspired video, firearm training, and homemade explosives. A video found on Naveed’s phone from October shows the duo reciting the Qur’an in Arabic before condemning “Zionists” in English, while another clip depicts firearms training in rural New South Wales.

Investigators say the Akrams conducted reconnaissance of Bondi two days prior. CCTV footage on the day of the attack showed them leaving an Airbnb in Campsie at 2:16 AM, transporting shotguns, a Beretta rifle, homemade IEDs, and IS flags in a silver Hyundai. They arrived at Bondi at 6:50 PM, placing IS flags in the car windows before opening fire on attendees.

Police raids recovered additional firearms, bomb-making equipment, ammunition, a suspected IED, and copies of the Qur’an. At their Bonnyrigg home, authorities found smartphones, a longbow with arrows, and a homemade firearm. Naveed and Sajid had also traveled to the Philippines in November, visiting Davao in southern Mindanao, though Philippine officials found no evidence they received military training.

The attack has reignited calls for gun reform in Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged to push for tighter restrictions after police recovered six firearms linked to the attack.

Naveed Akram, critically injured during the shootout, faces severe charges including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of wounding with intent, one count of committing a terrorist act, and several explosives-related charges. Among the victims were Peter Meagher, Alex Kleytman, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, Reuven Morrison, Matilda (10), Tibor Weitzen, Marika Pogany, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Dan Elkavam, Edith Brutman, and Boris Tetleroyd. Naveed did not apply for bail and is next due in court on April 8, under NSW prison riot squad guard.

This case underscores the rising threat of domestic terrorism inspired by extremist ideologies and the urgent need for measures to prevent such attacks in the future.