Bondi Gunmen Meticulously Planned Attack for Months, Police Allege
4 hours ago
Katy Watson, Australia Correspondent, Sydney
Emily Atkinson
Recent court documents reveal that the suspected gunmen involved in the Bondi Beach attack meticulously planned their assault for months, throwing explosives at the beginning of the deadly incident. The preparations included weeks of shooting practice prior to the attack.
Details of the Attack
– On December 14, fifteen individuals tragically lost their lives, and many more were injured when two gunmen fired upon a Hanukkah celebration.
– The assailants attempted to deploy explosives, including a tennis ball bomb, which, thankfully, did not detonate.
– Naveed Akram, 24, faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one charge of terrorism. His father, Sajid Akram, was shot and killed by police at the scene.
Alarming Reconnaissance and Planning
– Just two days before the attack, the gunmen conducted reconnaissance at Bondi Beach.
– Newly released court documents detail several videos showcasing the alleged gunmen’s movements leading up to the tragic event.
– Videos Reveal Disturbing Intentions:
– One video, recorded in October, allegedly shows the men with an image of an Islamic State (IS) flag, discussing their motivations and condemning the acts of ‘Zionists.’
– Another video appears to show them conducting firearms training in a countryside area of New South Wales.
The Day of the Attack
– CCTV footage captured the two men, believed to be Naveed and Sajid Akram, leaving their rented accommodation in Campsie at around 2:00 AM (15:00 GMT) with long, bulky items wrapped in blankets. These items included:
– Two single barrel shotguns
– A Beretta rifle
– Four improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
– Two IS flags
– At 6:50 PM (09:50 GMT), they arrived at Bondi Beach, where they displayed the flags in their vehicle and subsequently removed the firearms and IEDs.
– The explosive devices were thrown towards the crowd, but fortunately, none detonated. Shortly after, the gunmen opened fire, resulting in the devastating loss of life.
Aftermath and Government Response
– Following the incident, Sajid Akram was killed during an exchange of fire with New South Wales Police, while Naveed Akram was critically injured and later transferred to prison after his hospital release.
– Public outcry against Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arisen, with accusations of insufficient action against antisemitic threats.
– Calls have intensified for tougher legislation on extremism and hate speech, as well as for a Royal Commission into the Bondi terror attack.
Broader Implications and Future Actions
– Questions are being raised regarding the authorities’ handling of intelligence related to Naveed Akram, who reportedly had previous ties to a Sydney-based IS terrorism cell.
– There are calls for new gun laws and restrictions on ownership to prevent future tragedies. New South Wales is recalling its parliament to discuss proposed reforms amidst concerns that such regulations might infringe upon civil rights.
The Bondi Beach attack serves as a chilling reminder of the potential for severe violence stemming from extremist ideologies, prompting urgent discussions about community safety and legislative responses.