Naveed Akram, the sole surviving suspect in Sunday’s deadly shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, has been formally charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act, New South Wales Police confirmed.
His father, Sajid Akram, 50, died in a firefight with police at the scene. The attack claimed 15 lives and injured dozens more, targeting Australia’s Jewish community during a celebration of the first night of Hanukkah.
It stands as the deadliest shooting in the country since 1996.
In addition to the murder and terrorism charges, Naveed Akram faces 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, and one charge related to publicly displaying a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol.
Critically injured during the incident, he appeared at his first court hearing from his hospital bed. The New South Wales court has adjourned the case until April 2026.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said investigators are waiting for Akram’s medication to wear off before formally questioning him. “For his fairness, we need him to understand what is exactly happening,” Lanyon explained.
Twenty people injured in the attack remain in hospitals across Sydney, with one in critical condition.
Authorities have classified the shooting as a terrorist act, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating it appears to have been “motivated by Islamic State” ideology. Reports also revealed that the father and son had travelled to the Philippines in November.
Philippine immigration officials told the BBC they were in the country from 1 November to 28 November, with Davao as their final destination. Naveed Akram travelled on an Australian passport, while his father used an Indian passport.
Sajid Akram, originally from Hyderabad, India, reportedly had “limited contact” with family back home, according to police in Telangana.
Among those killed were two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl, Matilda. Boris and Sofia Gurman, filmed struggling with one of the gunmen early in the attack, were also among the victims.
Twenty-seven others were hospitalised with injuries, including two police officers. Officer Jack Hibbert, 22, has lost vision in one eye, and his family described his recovery as “long and challenging.” Another officer remains in hospital among 21 patients still receiving treatment.
On Wednesday, thousands gathered for the funeral of British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, the first to be held for the shooting’s victims.
Prime Minister Albanese was not in attendance, telling ABC NewsRadio, “I would attend anything that I’m invited to. These are funerals that are taking place to farewell people’s loved ones.”
The Jewish community has criticised the Prime Minister for insufficient action against antisemitism.
In response, Albanese highlighted steps he has taken, including appointing the country’s first antisemitism envoy, tightening hate speech laws, and increasing funding for social cohesion initiatives and Jewish institutions.
At Rabbi Schlanger’s funeral, Rabbi Levi Wolff described the loss as “unspeakable.” “Eli was ripped away from us, doing what he loved best,” he said.
“Spreading love and joy and caring for his people with endless self-sacrifice in his life and in his death, he towered above as one of the highest and holiest souls.” Rabbi Schlanger had been involved in organising Sunday’s Hanukkah event.
Funerals for the other victims, including the youngest, Matilda, are expected over the coming days, with her ceremony scheduled for Thursday.
