Australian authorities have released new details about the deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach, in which father and son Naveed Akram (24) and Sajid Akram (50) killed 15 people during a Hanukkah festival. Police say the pair conducted firearms training in a rural area of New South Wales before carrying out the attack, demonstrating a high level of premeditation.

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Pre-Attack Preparation and Radicalization

According to police documents:

• The Akram duo planned the attack over several months, practicing weapons handling and tactical movements in the countryside outside Sydney.
• They threw homemade explosives, including tennis ball bombs, at the crowd during the Hanukkah celebration; fortunately, none detonated.
• Flags of the Islamic State (IS) were found in their car, along with at least two improvised explosive devices, indicating allegiance to the extremist group.
• Sajid Akram recorded a video explaining their “justification” for the attack.

Authorities emphasized that the attack was antisemitic in nature, targeting attendees of the eight-day festival.

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Charges and Legal Proceedings

Following the attack:

• Naveed Akram appeared in court from a Sydney hospital after waking from a coma.
• He was charged with 59 offences, including:
  • 15 counts of murder
  • 40 counts of causing harm with intent to murder
  • 1 count of committing a terrorist act

Sajid Akram, the father, was shot dead by police at the scene during the attack.

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Government Response and Gun Law Reforms

The tragic incident prompted swift political action:

• New South Wales Premier Chris Minns introduced draft laws described as the toughest firearm restrictions in Australia.
• Key measures include:
  • Limiting the number of firearms per individual to four, with exemptions for certain groups such as farmers.
  • Making Australian citizenship a requirement for firearms licenses.
  • Banning the public display of terrorist symbols and criminalizing incitement to violence.
  • Granting police enhanced powers during public gatherings.

Premier Minns emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating it was essential to protect the safety of citizens, despite potential opposition from parliament and the public.

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Historical Context

The Bondi Beach attack is Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since 1996, when a lone gunman killed 35 people at Port Arthur, Tasmania. It underscores ongoing concerns about:

• Extremism and radicalization within Australia
• Access to firearms
• The need for strengthened public safety and counter-terrorism measures

The shooting has left a profound impact on Sydney’s Jewish community and prompted a nationwide reflection on safety during public events and festivals.