Naveed Akram Faces Multiple Charges in Bondi Beach Shooting

1 hour ago by James Chater in Sydney

Naveed Akram, the only surviving suspect from Sunday's shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act, according to the New South Wales Police. The incident, which occurred during an event celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, claimed the lives of 15 people and left dozens injured, marking it as Australia's deadliest shooting since 1996.

Akram is also facing 40 charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, along with one charge of displaying a prohibited terrorist organization symbol publicly. He sustained critical injuries during the attack and participated in his initial court hearing from his hospital bedside, as reported by the local New South Wales court. The case is postponed until April 2026. On Wednesday, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated that formal questioning of Akram would proceed once he is off his medication to ensure he comprehends the proceedings. Currently, 20 people injured remain hospitalized in Sydney, with one in critical condition.

The authorities have labelled the incident a terrorist act. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicated that the attack appears to have been driven by Islamic State group ideology. Investigations revealed that Naveed and his father Sajid Akram, who died during a shootout with the police at the scene, had visited the Philippines from November 1 to November 28. Their destination was Davao, with Naveed using an Australian passport and Sajid traveling on an Indian passport, confirmed by Manila border authorities. Sajid, originally from Hyderabad, India, reportedly had limited familial interactions in India, according to a Telangana police official.