Bondi Beach Shooting Suspect Charged With Terrorism and 15 Counts of Murder
Australian police have charged Naveed Akram, the sole surviving suspect in the Bondi Beach mass shooting, with 59 criminal offences, including committing a terrorist act, 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, discharging a firearm, placing an explosive device and displaying the symbol of a terrorist organisation.
The charges come days after a deadly attack during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration that killed 15 people and injured dozens more, shaking the country and prompting a renewed debate about security and gun laws.
Akram, 24, appeared for his first court hearing from a Sydney hospital bed after waking from a coma. He was seriously wounded during the attack, while his father, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police at the scene. Authorities say the father and son carried out the assault together using multiple firearms.
Police have described the shooting as a terrorist incident targeting Australia’s Jewish community. Investigators say early evidence suggests the violence was inspired by ISIS ideology. In a statement, police said they would argue in court that the accused “engaged in conduct that caused death, serious injury and endangered life to advance a religious cause and cause fear in the community”.
Among the dead were two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl. Boris and Sofia Gurman, a couple in their 60s, were also killed after trying to tackle one of the gunmen — a moment caught on video that later drew praise from national leaders. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called them “These are Australian heroes.”
Funerals for the victims have begun under heavy security. At the service for Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who helped organize the Hanukkah event, mourners heard emotional tributes. Rabbi Levi Wolff described his death as an “unspeakable loss,” adding, “Eli was ripped away from us, doing what he loved best.”
Attention has also turned to the suspects’ movements before the attack. Authorities confirmed that Akram and his father spent nearly a month in the Philippines in November, traveling to the southern city of Davao. Philippine officials have pushed back strongly against suggestions the country was used for extremist training. “No evidence has been presented to support claims that the country was used for terrorist training,” presidential spokeswoman Claire Castro said.
The shooting has sparked political pressure at home. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns announced plans to recall parliament to consider urgent legislation, including tighter controls on firearm ownership. Albanese also acknowledged public concern, saying, “We can’t get around the fact that a fellow was able to get a gun license, have six guns, four of which were used in this attack.”
As investigations continue, police say the case against Akram has been adjourned until 2026. For now, the nation remains focused on mourning the victims, supporting the injured, and grappling with how such an attack happened at one of Australia’s most iconic beaches.
