New Documents Reveal Allegations of ‘Tennis Ball Bomb’ Used by Suspected Gunmen in Bondi
The recent attack on a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach has led to serious charges against 24-year-old Naveed Akram, who faces multiple counts of murder and other offenses. Newly released police documents reveal that Akram and his father, Sajid Akram, meticulously planned the assault, which included the use of undetonated explosives. The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration on December 14, resulted in significant casualties and has raised concerns about extremist violence.
Details of the Attack
According to police reports, the Akrams initiated their attack by throwing four undetonated explosives, including a device referred to as a “tennis ball bomb.” Naveed Akram has been charged with 15 counts of murder, among other offenses, and was recently transferred to prison after being released from the hospital, where he was treated for injuries sustained during the incident. His father, Sajid Akram, was shot and killed during the attack. The police allege that the two had recorded a video manifesto in October, expressing their motivations and ideologies linked to the Islamic State group.
Planning and Preparation
Investigators assert that the Akrams had been planning the attack for several months. Evidence collected from Naveed’s phone indicates that they were driven by a “violent extremist ideology.” Among the videos found, one shows the pair in front of an Islamic State flag, where they articulate their motivations for the Bondi attack and express condemnation towards “Zionists.” Another video allegedly depicts them engaging in firearms training, suggesting a high level of preparation for the assault.
Surveillance Footage and Evidence
CCTV footage captured two days before the attack shows the Akrams conducting reconnaissance at Bondi Beach. They were seen exiting their vehicle and walking along a footbridge, the same location where they would later carry out the attack. The footage also shows them leaving a rented property in Campsie, Sydney, with long, bulky items wrapped in blankets. Police allege these items included firearms, homemade explosive devices, and Islamic State flags.
On the day of the attack, the Akrams reportedly parked their vehicle and displayed the flags in the windows before approaching the footbridge. As they neared the area, they threw three homemade pipe bombs and the tennis ball bomb, which fortunately did not detonate. A fifth explosive device was later discovered in their vehicle, highlighting the extent of their planning.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Naveed Akram, who was critically injured during the attack, did not appear in court for his recent hearing. A temporary suppression order had previously been in place to protect the identities of the attack’s survivors, but this order was lifted following a media application. While the names of most survivors remain redacted, the ongoing investigation continues to uncover further details about the Akrams’ actions and motivations leading up to the tragic event.
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