Bondi Beach Attack: Naveed Akram Charged with 59 Offences, Including 15 Counts of Murder

By: The Trek News Desk

Australian authorities have formally charged Naveed Akram, the sole surviving suspect in the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack, with 59 criminal offences, including 15 counts of murder and charges related to committing a terrorist act, New South Wales Police confirmed.

The attack, which took place on Sunday during a Hanukkah celebration, claimed the lives of 15 people and left dozens injured. The incident specifically targeted Australia’s Jewish community and is being described as the deadliest mass shooting in the country since 1996.

Police said the second attacker, Sajid Akram (50), Naveed’s father was killed in a shootout with officers at the scene. Naveed Akram sustained critical injuries during the operation and later appeared before the court via video link from his hospital bed. The court has adjourned the matter until April 2026.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated that investigators are waiting for the effects of medication to subside before beginning a formal interrogation. “It is essential for procedural fairness that the accused fully understands the situation,” he said.

According to officials, 20 injured victims remain hospitalized across Sydney, with one person still in critical condition. The incident has been officially classified as a terrorist attack, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicating that early findings suggest inspiration from Islamic State (IS) ideology.

Investigators recovered homemade IS flags and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the attackers’ vehicle. Authorities also revealed that the father and son had travelled to the Philippines roughly a month before the attack. Immigration officials confirmed they were in the country from 1 November to 28 November, with Davao City listed as their final destination.

Naveed Akram reportedly travelled on an Australian passport, while his father used an Indian passport. Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad, Telangana, and was said to have limited contact with his family in India.

Among the victims were two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl named Matilda. Boris and Sofia Gurman, a couple seen confronting one of the gunmen during the early moments of the attack, were also killed. Two police officers were injured, including 22-year-old Constable Jack Hibbert, who has lost vision in one eye and faces a prolonged recovery.

On Wednesday, thousands gathered for the first funeral of the victims, bidding farewell to British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who had helped organize the Hanukkah event. Questions were raised over Prime Minister Albanese’s absence, to which he responded that he attends such ceremonies when formally invited.

Members of the Jewish community have urged the government to take stronger action against rising antisemitism. In response, the Prime Minister highlighted steps already taken, including the appointment of Australia’s first antisemitism envoy, tougher hate-speech laws, and increased funding for community security and cohesion.

Funerals for the remaining victims are expected to take place in the coming days, including that of youngest victim Matilda, scheduled for Thursday.

Source: News Agencies