Surviving Suspect Charged with 15 Murders in Deadly Bondi Shooting
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 of committing a terrorist act, the New South Wales police say.
Akram, 24, was critically injured during the incident. His father Sajid Akram, 50, was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police at the scene.
Fifteen people were killed and dozens of others were injured in the attack, which targeted Australia's Jewish community during an event celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. This incident is noted as the country's deadliest shooting since 1996.
Among the charges against Akram are 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder and one charge of causing a public display of a prohibited terrorist organization symbol.
Akram's first hearing was held from his hospital bedside, as the local New South Wales court reported. The case has been adjourned until April 2026, according to the court. Earlier, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated they were waiting for medication to wear off before formally questioning Akram, emphasizing the need for fairness in the proceedings.
As of the latest updates, 17 people remain hospitalized across Sydney, with one considered critical while four are in critical but stable condition.
Authorities have classified the attack as a terrorist incident, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicating it seems to be "motivated by Islamic State" group ideology.
Additionally, it was revealed that both Naveed and Sajid Akram had traveled to the Philippines in November. Naveed held an Australian passport while Sajid used an Indian passport.
The attack's victims included two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a ten-year-old girl named Matilda.
In the wake of this tragedy, Rabbi Eli Schlanger was mourned at his funeral, an event attended by thousands. The families of the victims continue to grieve the profound losses, as investigations unfold and community support grows in light of the attack.
