The surviving suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, has been formally charged with multiple offences following one of Australia’s deadliest attacks in decades.
New South Wales Police said Naveed Akram has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act.
The charges stem from an attack that left 15 people dead and dozens injured during an event celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, which targeted Australia’s Jewish community.
Police said the second gunman, identified as Akram’s father, Sajid Akram, 50, was killed during an exchange of gunfire with officers at the scene.
In addition to the murder charges, Akram faces 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, as well as one charge relating to the public display of a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol. Authorities described the incident as the country’s deadliest mass shooting since 1996.
Akram sustained critical injuries during the attack and appeared for his first court hearing from his hospital bed. The New South Wales court said the matter has been adjourned until April 2026.
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New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said investigators were waiting for the effects of medication to subside before formally questioning the suspect. “For his fairness, we need him to understand what is exactly happening,” Lanyon said.
Police confirmed the attack has been designated a terrorist incident. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said early assessments suggest the violence was motivated by Islamic State group ideology.
Officers said homemade Islamic State flags and improvised explosive devices were discovered in the vehicle used by the attackers.
As of Wednesday, 20 people remained hospitalised across Sydney, with one victim still in critical condition.
Authorities said investigations remain ongoing as the city continues to mourn the victims of the attack.
NAN
