The suspects, 24-year-old Naveed Akram and his father, Sajid Akram, who was shot dead by police during the attack, are believed to have planned the assault over several months, motivated by extremist ideology linked to the Islamic State group. Videos recovered from Naveed’s mobile phones show the suspects declaring their motivation and condemning “Zionist acts,” while conducting firearms training in rural areas of New South Wales.
Surveillance cameras recorded the suspects carrying out reconnaissance two days before the attack and transporting large objects wrapped in blankets, which were later identified as firearms, homemade bombs, and Islamic State flags. Although three explosive devices and the “tennis ball” bomb were thrown, none detonated, despite being assessed as viable.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded by police during the intervention, has been released from hospital and transferred to prison. He now faces multiple charges, including 15 counts of murder, as the investigation continues to clarify all details surrounding the planning and execution of the attack.
