Bondi Beach terror case: Evidence expands against surviving gunman

Evidence continues to mount in the legal proceedings against Naveed Akram, 25, who is accused of participating in a terror attack at Bondi Beach on December 14. The attack, which allegedly targeted a Hanukkah celebration at Archer Park, resulted in 15 deaths, including a 10-year-old girl, and dozens of injuries. Akram’s father, Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police during the incident.

During a hearing at the Downing Centre Local Court, prosecutor Danielle New reported that investigators have examined over 800 witness statements, ballistics evidence, and data from seven electronic devices. Additional evidence, including reports on an improvised explosive device and data from 12 more electronic devices, is pending review. The prosecution alleges the men threw pipe bombs and a tennis ball bomb into the crowd, though none detonated. A box-like bomb and two hand-painted Islamic State flags were also reportedly found in the suspects' vehicle.

Many witnesses have recently begun providing statements under a court-ordered anonymity agreement. Judge Karen Stafford previously granted this anonymity to protect victims and witnesses from psychological re-traumatisation and potential physical threats to their safety.