Police in New South Wales have formally charged a 24-year-old man with 59 criminal offences following a devastating mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead. The attack targeted a public gathering marking the start of the Jewish Hanukah festival.
Suspect Awakens from Coma to Face Murder and Terrorism Charges
Naveed Akram was charged on Wednesday, a day after he awoke from a coma. He had been under police guard in a Sydney hospital since Sunday night, when he was critically injured in a shootout with officers at the scene. The matter was listed for a court hearing on Wednesday afternoon.
The extensive list of charges includes 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. Court staff confirmed the other charges encompass 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder, one count of placing an explosive in or near a building, discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and publicly displaying a terrorist symbol.
Alleged Attackers' Movements and Preparations Under Scrutiny
Police allege that Naveed and his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, opened fire on the Hanukah celebration crowd. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene. Authorities state the firearms used were legally obtained by Sajid.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon revealed that the father and son had allegedly travelled to the southern Philippines last month. Authorities in Manila confirmed the pair flew into the country on 1 November, listing Davao as their destination, and departed on 28 November. The reason for the trip remains under investigation.
Commissioner Lanyon also alleged that prior to the charges being laid, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and two homemade Islamic State flags were discovered in a car registered to Naveed that was parked at the scene.
National Security Implications and Ongoing Investigation
The charges follow a statement from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who said Tuesday that Sunday's attack appeared to have been "inspired by Islamic State." The incident is being treated as a terrorist act.
Beyond the 15 fatalities, which tragically included a 10-year-old child, another 20 people remained hospitalised with injuries on Wednesday. The community continues to reel from the violence.
Further details emerged about Naveed Akram's activities prior to the attack. He worked as a bricklayer and had told his employer he could not work until 2026 due to a hand injury sustained from boxing. He had also requested all his work entitlements be paid out.
The investigation, involving both Australian and international authorities, continues as police work to fully establish the motive and any potential networks connected to the alleged attackers.
