Australian Intelligence Had Examined Bondi Shooter for ISIS Links Six Years Before Terror Attack, Investigation Reveals
Australia's domestic intelligence agency ASIO examined Naveed Akram, 24, six years ago for his close ties to a Sydney-based Islamic State terrorism cell, according to reports understood by the ABC. The revelation comes as police have identified the two gunmen in Sunday's Bondi Beach terror attack as Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid Akram, 50, a fruit shop owner.
Naveed Akram, Via Australian Government
Investigators from the Joint Counter Terrorism Team believe the gunmen had pledged allegiance to the ISIS terrorist group. An ISIS flag was found in the men's car at Bondi Beach, according to a senior Joint Counter Terrorism Team official. ASIO reportedly took an interest in Naveed Akram six years ago following a police operation that foiled plans for an ISIS terrorist attack.
The 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police at the scene during the attack on Sunday evening. Naveed Akram, 24, remains in hospital in critical but stable condition under police guard. Sajid held a firearms license for 10 years and had six firearms legally registered to him. Police have confirmed that all six firearms found at Bondi Beach were used in the attack.
The father and son told their family they were going away on a fishing trip to Jervis Bay for the weekend. Naveed's mother, Verena, told the Sydney Morning Herald that her son called on Sunday morning hours before the attack, reporting that he had gone scuba diving and planned to eat before heading home due to the heat. Police have raided properties in Campsie and Bonnyrigg, with evidence indicating the pair were staying at an Airbnb address in Campsie while maintaining their residence in Bonnyrigg.
Police have recovered all six firearms from the raided properties. Ballistics and forensic investigations will determine whether the six legally licensed firearms are the same weapons used in the attack. Police stated they had no indication that either man was planning the attack on Bondi Beach.
The attack killed 16 people including a 10-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man. The oldest victim was believed to be 87 years old. Five victims remain in critical condition, including two police officers who sustained gunshot wounds and remain in serious but stable condition.
Naveed Akram, 24, is a recently unemployed western Sydney bricklayer known to police. The head of Al-Murad Institute, a Quran college where Akram once studied, distanced himself from the alleged shooter, stating he had no contact with Akram or his family since early 2022. Sheikh Adam Ismail reported that he and his family subsequently received death threats and harassment following the circulation of a photo showing Akram and Ismail together, forcing them to evacuate their home.
A neighbour of the alleged gunmen in Bonnyrigg described them as normal people who came and went daily without greeting neighbours. The neighbour expressed shock upon realising the gunmen had been living on the same street.
The FBI announced it would provide assistance to the New South Wales investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the security service was supporting the investigation and providing requested assistance.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese laid flowers at the Bondi Pavilion on Monday morning, stating that Australia would not be divided by hate or violence and would confront it directly while standing in solidarity with Jewish Australians. The Australian government cabinet met on Monday to discuss the attack, with the National Security Committee meeting again after an emergency session on Sunday night.
Identified victims include Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Dan Elkayam, Alexander Kleytman, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, and Reuven Morrison. Over 40 people remain hospitalised following the attack. Armed police have been stationed at Jewish community sites throughout New Zealand in response to the terror incident.