Bondi Beach Attackers Wielded 'Tennis Ball Bomb,' Filmed IS-Inspired Manifesto, New Documents Allege

The gunmen who allegedly killed 15 people at a Hanukkah festival at Sydney's Bondi Beach last week meticulously planned their assault for months, conducting firearms training and recording a video manifesto in front of an Islamic State flag, according to newly released police documents. The court filings also allege the pair threw four unexploded homemade devices, including a "tennis ball bomb," at the start of the attack.

Naveed Akram, 24, faces dozens of charges, including 15 counts of murder, for the attack on December 14. He was shot by police during the incident and was transferred from a hospital to a prison on Monday. The second alleged gunman, his father Sajid Akram, was shot and killed at the scene.

Police allege the pair were motivated by a "violent extremist ideology" linked to the Islamic State group. According to the documents, they recorded a video in October where they detail their motivations while sitting before an IS flag.

The documents paint a chilling picture of a carefully prepared operation. "The Akrams meticulously planned this terrorist attack for many months," police alleged. Videos found on Naveed Akram's phone reportedly chronicle their preparations.

A Timeline of Alleged Preparation

The police case, built on digital evidence and CCTV footage, suggests a clear timeline leading up to the violence:

• October 2025: In one video, the father and son are allegedly seen conducting firearms training in what police believe to be rural New South Wales. "The Accused and his father are seen throughout the video firing shotguns and moving in a tactical manner," police wrote. In another video, they allegedly condemn "the acts of 'Zionists'" and detail their motive for the Bondi attack.
• December 12, 2025: Just two days before the attack, CCTV recorded the Akrams driving to Bondi Beach to carry out reconnaissance. They were seen walking along the same footbridge from which they would later open fire on the public.
• December 14, 2025 (Day of the Attack): Hours before the attack, CCTV captured the pair leaving their rented accommodation carrying "long and bulky items wrapped in blankets." Police said these items were three firearms, homemade improvised explosive devices (IEDs) including the "tennis ball bomb," and two Islamic State flags. After driving to Bondi, they allegedly placed the flags inside their car's windows before launching their assault.

As they approached the footbridge, police allege they threw three homemade pipe bombs and the tennis ball bomb, none of which detonated. However, an assessment found the devices to be "viable." A fifth explosive device was later found in their vehicle, authorities had previously stated. Naveed Akram, who was critically injured by a gunshot to the abdomen, did not appear at Monday's court hearing.