Police Confirm Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Alone; Hero Disarms Gunman During Hanukkah Celebrations
Police have confirmed that Bondi Beach attackers Naveed Akram and Sajid Akram acted alone and were not part of a broader terrorist cell. Naveed Akram faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder, while Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene.
Investigators discovered a vehicle linked to the suspects containing homemade Islamic State flags, but found no evidence that the attackers received training or logistical preparation. It was revealed that the two spent much of November in the Philippines.
The attack occurred on 14 December during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach, where more than 1,000 attendees were present. The gunmen opened fire, resulting in 15 deaths and dozens of injuries.
Ahmed al Ahmed, a bystander who tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen, stated that he acted to defend innocent lives. Authorities have indicated that while the attackers were inspired by the Islamic State, they were not part of a larger network. AFP commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed there was no evidence of training provided to the attackers.
In response to the incident, New South Wales Police plan to deploy over 2,500 officers for Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations to ensure heightened security. Additionally, Lord Mayor Clover Moore announced a minute of silence for the victims and that images of a Jewish menorah would be projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of the New Year's events.
