Naveed Akram, the surviving suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, has been charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act, New South Wales Police announced.
His father and alleged accomplice, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police at the scene.
The attack, which targeted Australia’s Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration, left 15 people dead and dozens injured, marking the country’s deadliest shooting since 1996.
Akram faces an additional 40 charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, and one charge of causing a public display of a prohibited terrorist organization symbol.
Critically injured during the incident, he made his first court appearance via a bedside hearing in the hospital. The case has been adjourned until April 2026.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated that investigators are waiting for Akram’s medication to subside before formally interviewing him. “For his fairness, we need him to understand what is exactly happening,” Lanyon said.
Police have officially designated the attack a terrorist incident. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears to have been “motivated by Islamic State group ideology.”
Investigators found “homemade” Islamic State flags and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the vehicle used by the gunmen.
Twenty victims remain hospitalized across Sydney, with one person still in critical condition.
By James Kisoo
