Bondi Beach Attack

Updated: December 22, 2025

On December 14, 2025, two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, Sydney. Fifteen people were killed.

The Suspects

Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24. Father shot dead by police. Son charged with 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder, and terrorism offenses.

New Details (Dec 22)

Pipe bombs thrown but didn't detonate. Police allege the pair threw four improvised devices at the crowd before opening fire. Three aluminum pipe bombs and a tennis ball bomb containing black powder and steel ball bearings. All viable. None exploded.

Fifth device in car. A larger homemade explosive found in the trunk of Naveed Akram's registered vehicle near the beach. Two hand-painted ISIS flags alongside it.

Planning

Police allege "meticulous planning for many months":

ISIS-inspired video recorded
ISIS flags hand-painted
Firearms training in rural Australia (October video shows tactical movement with shotguns)
Pipe bombs constructed
Accommodation booked as staging post
Reconnaissance visit December 12 (CCTV shows them walking a footbridge overlooking attack site)

Philippines Connection

The pair spent a month in Davao City, Philippines before the attack. Intelligence officials say they met with Muslim leaders. Details remain incomplete.

Current Status

Naveed Akram transferred from hospital to prison on December 22. He'd been receiving treatment for gunshot wound to abdomen. Next court date: April 2025.

Sources: CNN, Wikipedia, ABC Australia, NYT