In a tragic event that has shaken Australia, a mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, resulted in 15 deaths and numerous injuries. Recent police investigations reveal that the perpetrators, a father and son duo, meticulously planned the attack over several months, raising serious concerns about domestic terrorism and public safety.
Detailed Planning and Preparation
According to police documents released on December 22, 2025, Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, engaged in extensive preparations leading up to the attack. The duo conducted firearms training in a rural area of New South Wales, where they practiced shooting and tactical movements. Footage from October shows them firing shotguns and moving strategically, indicating a high level of premeditation.
Use of Improvised Explosive Devices
The attack began with the assailants throwing four improvised explosive devices (IEDs) into a crowd celebrating a Jewish event at Bondi Beach. These devices, described as three aluminum pipe bombs and a tennis ball bomb containing explosive materials and steel ball bearings, failed to detonate. Despite their failure, police classified them as “viable” IEDs, underscoring the potential for even greater devastation.
Ideological Motivations and Manifesto
Investigations uncovered a video recorded in October, where the Akrams, seated before an Islamic State flag, articulated their motivations for the attack. In the video, Naveed recites a passage from the Qur’an in Arabic, followed by both men condemning the actions of “Zionists” and expressing extremist views aligned with Islamic State ideology. This evidence suggests that the attack was ideologically driven, aiming to further a violent extremist cause.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Naveed Akram, who was wounded and apprehended at the scene, faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of causing harm with intent to murder, and one count of committing a terrorist act. His father, Sajid Akram, was killed during the confrontation with police. The charges reflect the severity and premeditated nature of the attack, marking it as one of Australia’s deadliest mass shootings since 1996.
Government Response and Policy Changes
In response to the attack, the New South Wales government has proposed stringent gun control measures. The draft laws include making Australian citizenship a prerequisite for obtaining a firearms license, a move that would have disqualified Sajid Akram, an Indian citizen with permanent residency. Additionally, the legislation seeks to limit recreational shooters to a maximum of four firearms, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Community Impact and Memorials
The Bondi Beach community has been profoundly affected by the tragedy. An impromptu memorial near the Bondi Pavilion, consisting of flowers and heartfelt messages, was established by mourners. While the beachfront has begun returning to normalcy, the Sydney Jewish Museum has preserved parts of the memorial to honor the victims. Funerals for the deceased, including French national Dan Elkayam, have been held, reflecting the diverse impact of the attack.
The Bondi Beach shooting underscores the persistent threat of domestic terrorism and the necessity for vigilant security measures. The meticulous planning and ideological motivations behind the attack highlight the challenges in preventing such incidents. As legal proceedings continue and policy reforms are considered, the resilience and unity of the Australian community remain crucial in addressing and overcoming the ramifications of this tragedy.
7 years in the field, from local radio to digital newsrooms. Loves chasing the stories that matter to everyday Aussies – whether it’s climate, cost of living or the next big thing in tech.
