Bondi Beach Shooting Suspect Faces Terrorism Charges, Including 15 counts of murder charges
The surviving suspect in Sunday’s Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney has been charged with 59 criminal offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act, New South Wales police confirmed.
Naveed Akram, 24, remains in critical condition after being injured during the attack. His father, Sajid Akram, 50, was killed in a shootout with police at the scene. Authorities say 15 people were killed and dozens injured in what has been described as Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since 1996.
Police allege the attack deliberately targeted Australia’s Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration. Akram also faces 40 charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, along with a charge related to displaying a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol.
According to court officials, Akram appeared for his first hearing from his hospital bed, with the case adjourned until April 2026. Police said formal questioning will begin once medication effects wear off.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said investigators believe the Bondi Beach terror attack was motivated by Islamic State ideology, and the incident has officially been classified as a terrorist act.
Authorities also revealed that Akram and his father travelled to the Philippines in November, with immigration records confirming their presence in the country for nearly four weeks.
Among the victims were two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl named Matilda. More than 25 people were hospitalised, including two police officers. One officer has lost vision in one eye and faces a prolonged recovery.
Funerals for the victims are continuing across Sydney, with community leaders describing the attack as an “unspeakable loss” and calling for stronger action against antisemitism.
