Exclusive Photo of Second Bondi Shooter Sparks Outrage and New Questions Over Terror Motive

A newly published image of the alleged second shooter in the Bondi Beach terror attack has deepened public outrage and unsettled investigations into the motivations, travel history, and possible extremist links of the suspected attackers.

Australian authorities have released what they say is a definitive image of Sajid Akram, the 50-year-old man killed by police during the attack that left 15 people dead and dozens more injured on 14 December 2025. The image, along with details of a month-long trip he and his son took to the Philippines just weeks before the massacre, has poured fuel on an international debate about how the pair slipped under security radars.

A Glaring Intelligence Failure?

Law enforcement sources say the newly circulated image of Sajid, released after prolonged suppression orders, underscores public calls for transparency in what many now view as a glaring intelligence failure.

Victims' families and community leaders have expressed outrage that the public and international partners were not given clearer information sooner. One survivor, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the emergence of official images and travel documentation has reopened trauma and anger, particularly regarding perceived lapses in scanning for possible extremist behaviour.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated publicly that the attack 'appears driven by Islamic State ideology,' pointing to materials found on the accused's digital devices and the pair's travel record, though detailed evidence has not been released to the public.

Human rights advocates have warned that ambiguous public narratives about the attackers' motives and background risk fostering anti-immigrant backlash, noting that Sajid's family in India has stated they were unaware of any extremist views or radicalisation before the attack. Telangana State Police confirmed the family had 'no knowledge' of his radical mindset and that his travel to India was primarily for personal and familial reasons.

Philippines Trip: Training Or Coincidence?

Central to the ongoing investigation is the three-week trip to the Philippines that both Sajid and Naveed undertook just weeks before the massacre. Immigration records show they spent nearly the entire time in Davao City, a region historically associated with Islamist militancy but significantly diminished in operational capacity since the 2017 Marawi siege.

Some Australian law enforcement sources initially speculated the pair might have sought 'military-style training' or ideological reinforcement while abroad. However, Philippine authorities strongly refute that any form of militant instruction occurred during their stay and emphasise there is no evidence that they underwent military training in the Philippines.

Hotel employees told local reporters that the two stayed at a budget hotel for almost the entire visit, rarely left the premises, and maintained a very low profile, with no observed contact with local militants or groups, contradicting some early speculation. The discrepancy between Australian speculation and Philippine official accounts has deepened questions about why the Akrams made the trip, especially given that this travel occurred shortly before they allegedly conducted reconnaissance of the Bondi site two days before the shooting.

Evidence of Premeditation

Detailed police statements filed in a Sydney court reveal that both Sajid and Naveed allegedly recorded a video in October 2025 in front of an Islamic State flag, in which they appear to articulate extremist beliefs and condemn 'Zionists'. The documents also indicate that the pair engaged in firearms training and reconnaissance missions before the fatal shooting.

Critically, the unsealed court material underscores the planning and intent authorities say underpinned the Bondi massacre, including the preparation of improvised explosive devices and weapons training that may have contributed to the operational execution of the attack.

Legal experts note that disentangling ideological motive from tactical preparation will be central to the prosecution's case against Naveed Akram, which is scheduled to advance with a brief of evidence due in April 2026.