Shocking new images have revealed the alleged planning stages behind the devastating Bondi Beach attack that claimed 15 lives and injured dozens more.
Australian authorities say the newly released footage provides a chilling look at how the suspected attackers prepared for the violence that unfolded at the popular Sydney location during a Hanukkah gathering last Sunday, December 14.
Footage shows alleged weapons training weeks before attack
Police allege that Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid Akram, 50, spent weeks conducting firearms training in a rural area believed to be in New South Wales ahead of the attack.
According to a police fact sheet obtained by Sky News, the images and videos – released after a court lifted a suppression order – show the father and son firing shotguns and moving “in a tactical manner” during training sessions filmed in late October.
Suspected shooter Naveed Akram during 'firearm training' in the countryside. Credit: New South Wales Police/New South Wales Local Court.
Authorities say the footage was recovered from a mobile phone found inside a vehicle connected to the pair.
Deadly attack leaves 15 dead and dozens injured
The massacre at Bondi Beach left 15 people dead, including 10-year-old Matilda, a schoolgirl who had moved from Ukraine with her family in search of a better life.
Victims also included an 87-year-old, while around 40 people were injured.
Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene. Naveed Akram was also shot, survived his injuries, and was treated in hospital before being transferred to prison.
Explosives and weapons allegedly found near scene
Investigators claim that on the day of the attack, the pair attempted to detonate homemade bombs and improvised explosive devices, though none exploded.
Police allege a silver Hyundai parked nearby contained multiple pipe bombs, a tennis ball bomb, a large IED, several firearms – including a Beretta rifle and two single-barrel shotguns – and Islamic State flags displayed in the vehicle’s windows.
Authorities also say ammunition, bomb-making materials, firearm components, and religious texts were later found in a rental property linked to the suspects.
Videos allegedly show justification for attack
In addition to training footage, police say another video appears to show the men seated in front of an Islamic State flag with weapons behind them, allegedly outlining their justification for the planned attack.
Sajid Akram, who was killed at the scene, was allegedly pictured firearm 'training' with his son. Credit: New South Wales Police/New South Wales Local Court.
CCTV footage reportedly shows the Hyundai arriving in Bondi two days before the incident, suggesting the area may have been scouted in advance. On the day of the attack, the men were seen leaving a rental property carrying bulky, blanket-wrapped items believed to be weapons and explosives.
Family unaware of alleged plans
Naveed Akram’s mother reportedly told police she believed her husband and son were away on a fishing trip at the time.
In the aftermath of the attack, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns vowed to introduce what he described as the toughest gun laws in the country, as the investigation continues.