Bondi Beach Suspects Recorded Antisemitic Video Manifesto, Australian Investigators Report

Australian investigators have revealed that the suspects in the Bondi Beach shooting created a video manifesto filled with antisemitic rhetoric and Islamic State ideology, providing new insight into what authorities are calling a premeditated terrorist attack.

The father-son duo accused of carrying out the deadly attack—50-year-old Sajid Akram and 24-year-old Naveed Akram—are believed to have planned the violence for several months, according to police statements. Only Naveed survived the attack and now faces murder and terrorism charges after emerging from a coma last week.

Authorities discovered critical evidence on the son’s phone, including a video that police say outlines the pair’s “political and religious views and appear to summarise their justification for the Bondi terrorist attack.” In the footage, the men are seen “condemning the acts of Zionists” while expressing adherence to “a religiously motivated ideology linked to Islamic State,” investigators reported.

“There is evidence that the Accused and his father meticulously planned this terrorist attack for many months,” police alleged in their statement. Supporting this claim, footage recorded in October shows the pair firing shotguns in wooded areas and “moving in a tactical manner,” suggesting systematic preparation and training.

During the December 14 attack, which left 15 people dead and dozens hospitalized, the men reportedly attempted to detonate four improvised explosive devices in the crowd, but the devices failed to explode. The elder Akram was killed during the incident, while his son was critically injured.

The attack has intensified scrutiny on what Jewish community leaders describe as rising antisemitism in Australia and what they characterize as government inaction on the issue. The political fallout became evident at a memorial service held on Sunday at Bondi Beach, where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced a chorus of boos from an estimated 10,000 mourners who had gathered to honor the victims.

The response highlighted growing tensions over the government’s Middle East policies. While Albanese was met with disapproval, opposition leader Sussan Ley received cheers when mentioned. Ley has publicly committed to reversing the Albanese government’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state should her coalition come to power.

The Bondi Beach attack represents one of Australia’s deadliest terrorist incidents in recent history and has raised alarms about potential Islamic State influence in the country. Security experts have expressed concern about the global resurgence of jihadist networks, with this attack potentially signaling a worrying trend.

Australian authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the planning behind the attack, including how the suspects acquired weapons and explosives, and whether they had connections to broader terrorist networks. The investigation has prompted renewed calls for enhanced security measures and greater vigilance against extremist ideologies.

For the Jewish community in Australia, the attack has deepened concerns about safety and security, particularly as global tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict continue to reverberate worldwide. Community leaders are pressing for more robust protection measures and stronger government action against antisemitism.

As Naveed Akram awaits trial, Australian law enforcement remains on heightened alert for any signs of copycat attacks or related threats. The case has become a focal point in discussions about terrorism, religious extremism, and the complex challenges of preventing ideologically motivated violence in Australia.