Australian police have revealed new details about the deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach, confirming that the alleged perpetrators, father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram, conducted tactical firearms training in the countryside prior to the attack. The shooting, which targeted a Hanukkah celebration, claimed the lives of 15 people, marking Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades.

---

Pre-Attack Planning and Preparations

Police documents indicate that the pair meticulously planned the attack over several months:

• The suspects carried out firearms training in rural New South Wales, practicing movement in a tactical manner while recording photos and videos of themselves handling shotguns.
• In October 2025, they recorded a video denouncing “Zionists” while sitting in front of an Islamic State flag, explaining their motivations for the planned attack.
• Days before the massacre, the pair conducted a nighttime reconnaissance trip to Bondi Beach to survey the area.
• During the attack, the suspects threw explosives at bystanders, which fortunately did not detonate.

---

The Attack

The attack took place during a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, Sydney. Authorities reported:

• Sajid Akram, 50 years old, was shot and killed by police during the incident.
• His son, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, an Australian citizen, was hospitalized and subsequently transferred to jail.
• The attack caused widespread fear and grief in Sydney, prompting memorials and vigils at the scene.

---

Government Response

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed deep regret over the tragedy and promised tougher laws against extremism:

• Albanese apologized to the Jewish community and the nation for the attack.
• The government announced plans for a new hate-preaching offense to deter extremist propaganda.
• Authorities proposed a comprehensive gun buyback scheme, the largest since 1996, aiming to remove firearms from private possession.
• NSW Premier Chris Minns pledged to introduce the “toughest firearm reforms in the country,” including:
  • Capping the number of guns an individual can own at four (ten for exemptions like farmers).
  • Banning terrorist symbols, such as the Islamic State flag.
  • Allowing authorities to prohibit protests for up to three months after terrorism incidents.

Albanese also vowed to enhance protections for Jewish Australians and strengthen intelligence and law enforcement measures to prevent future attacks.

---

Community Impact

• Australians observed a minute of silence exactly one week after the first reports of gunfire.
• Visitors to Bondi Beach continued to pay tribute at memorials, placing flowers and offering moments of reflection.
• The tragedy has prompted increased security measures at public events and tourist areas across the country.

---

Historical Context

The Bondi Beach shooting is the deadliest mass shooting in Australia in nearly 30 years, following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which resulted in 35 deaths and led to nationwide gun law reforms.

The attack underscores the ongoing challenges posed by extremism, hate-fueled violence, and firearms access, prompting lawmakers to implement stricter gun and hate speech legislation.