WEB DESK: Australian authorities have revealed in court documents that improvised pipe bombs and tennis ball explosives were hurled at a crowd at Bondi Beach before a mass shooting. However, these devices failed to detonate. The December 14 attack, which occurred during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals and left dozens injured.
One of the suspected attackers, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was fatally shot by police during the incident. Akram reportedly owned six firearms. His 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, has been charged with 59 offenses, including murder and terrorism.
Investigations suggest that the assailants had meticulously planned the attack for several months. Just two days before the incident, they reportedly conducted reconnaissance at the Bondi beachside park.
Police documents indicate that the supplies recovered included single-barreled shotguns, a Beretta rifle, three pipe bombs, a tennis ball explosive, and a large improvised explosive device. Although they attempted to use the pipe and tennis ball bombs to target crowds before opening fire with their guns, the explosives failed to detonate.
During a subsequent search of the suspects’ residence in Campsie, authorities discovered 3D-printed shotgun components, bomb-making materials, and religious literature, further incriminating the duo.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese face criticism
The New South Wales state parliament has been urgently reconvened to debate new legislation aimed at tightening gun control laws, banning terror-related symbols, and limiting protests. These measures are part of a broader governmental response to address growing concerns around national security.
Additionally, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced intense criticism for allegedly not taking sufficient action against the rise of antisemitism. Facing backlash at a memorial service attended by tens of thousands on Sunday, he acknowledged the anger within the Jewish community and urged for unity.
Speaking in Canberra on Monday, Albanese addressed the nation by expressing his deep regret over the tragedy and its impact on both the Jewish community and Australia as a whole.
Albanese’s government also proposed new measures to combat hate speech, including criminalizing attempts to influence or radicalize minors.
As tributes from the public—flowers, messages, candles, and other items—were cleared from Bondi Beach on Monday, officials announced plans to preserve them for display at the Sydney Jewish Museum and the Australian Jewish Historical Society.
Health authorities revealed that 13 individuals remain hospitalized, with four still in critical but stable condition.
