A man suspected of killing 15 people during a shooting in Bondi Beach “conducted firearms training” with his father before the attack on a Jewish event, Australian police have said.
Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, allegedly attacked people at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach on 14 December, killing victims aged 10 to 87 and injuring 40 others.
Fifty-year-old Sajid Akram was killed by police at the scene, while his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram has been charged with 59 offences, including a terror charge.
New South Wales Police have released pictures of Naveed Akram and his father holding guns, as they “conducted firearms training in a countryside location, suspected to be NSW” in late October, according to a police fact sheet seen by Sky News.
“The accused and his father are seen throughout the video firing shotguns and moving in a tactical manner,” police said.
On the day of the Bondi Beach attack, the pair allegedly threw homemade bombs and improvised explosive devices (ieds) at the crowd of people at the gathering near the beach, but these did not detonate.
An analysis indicates that both were “viable” IEDs, according to the police file.
The information on the fact sheet was released after a suppression order was lifted by an NSW court.
The Hyundai vehicle linked to the Bondi Junction shopping center attack was found with alleged Islamic State flags displayed in the front and rear windows. A phone belonging to attacker Naveed Akram was also discovered inside, containing videos including one appearing to show “firearm training.”
Another video depicts Akram and his father seated before an Islamic State flag, with four long-arm guns visible in the background. Police state the video seems to outline their rationale for the Bondi attack.
According to a police fact sheet, Akram’s mother reported believing her husband and son were on a fishing trip at the time of the attack. She stated Naveed had been calling her daily from a public phone around 10:30 am.
Man Arrested in UK on Suspicion of Preparing Acts of Terrorism
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A man has been arrested in Luton, England, on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism, according to reports from Sky News and the BBC. Counter Terrorism Policing east have confirmed the arrest, stating that a search of a property uncovered a critically important quantity of concerning items.
Details of the Arrest and Seized Items
The 32-year-old man was arrested on February 29, 2024, and remains in custody. During a search of the property,authorities seized the following items:
* A shotgun speed loader
* A 30-60 calibre rifle
* A shotgun
* Numerous firearms parts
* equipment believed to be for bomb making
* Two copies of the Koran
The discovery of bomb-making equipment is particularly concerning,prompting a thorough inquiry by counter-terrorism authorities. The nature of the firearms parts and their potential use are also under investigation.
Investigation and Security Concerns
Counter Terrorism Policing East is leading the investigation, with support from other agencies. Police have stated that the arrest is part of a pre-planned operation and there is no immediate threat to the public. Though,the presence of firearms and bomb-making materials indicates a serious potential for harm.
“We are committed to protecting the public and will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt any activity that poses a threat to our communities,” a spokesperson for Counter Terrorism Policing East stated https://www.policenews.uk/news/luton-man-arrested-on-suspicion-of-preparing-acts-of-terrorism/.
Significance of the Koran
The presence of two copies of the Koran at the property is being investigated as part of the broader context of the case. Authorities are examining whether the religious texts have any connection to the alleged planned acts of terrorism. It is important to note that possession of religious texts is not illegal, and the investigation will focus on the individual’s intent and any links to extremist ideologies.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist to come forward.members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police via the confidential hotline 0800 789 321 or online at https://act.police.uk/.
Key Takeaways
* A 32-year-old man has been arrested in Luton on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism.
* A search of his property revealed firearms, firearms parts, and bomb-making equipment.
* The arrest was part of a pre-planned operation by Counter Terrorism Policing East.
* Authorities state there is no immediate threat to the public,but the investigation is ongoing.
* The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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