Australian prosecutors have charged Naveed Akram with 59 criminal offenses, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act, following a mass shooting that killed 15 people at Bondi Beach in Sydney during a Hanukkah celebration.
New South Wales Police said the charges relate to Sunday’s attack, which authorities have described as a terrorist incident and the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since 1996. Akram is the only surviving suspect. The second gunman, identified as his father, Sajid Akram, was shot dead during a confrontation with police at the scene.
Police said Naveed Akram, who was critically wounded during the attack, appeared before a New South Wales court from his hospital bed. The court adjourned the case until April 2026, citing his medical condition.
In addition to the murder charges, Akram faces 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, as well as a charge related to displaying the symbol of a banned terrorist organization.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said investigators were waiting for medication to wear off before conducting a full interview. “For fairness, we need him to clearly understand exactly what is happening,” Lanyon told reporters.
Police confirmed the shooting targeted members of Australia’s Jewish community during an event marking the first night of Hanukkah. Dozens were wounded, with 20 people still receiving treatment in hospitals across Sydney. One victim remains in critical condition, authorities said.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said early evidence suggests the attack was driven by extremist ideology linked to the so called Islamic State group. Police said homemade flags associated with the group and improvised explosive devices were found inside the vehicle used by the attackers.
Investigators are also examining the suspects’ movements before the attack. Philippine immigration officials confirmed that Naveed and Sajid Akram traveled to the Philippines from November 1 to November 28, with their final destination listed as Davao in the country’s south.
According to border authorities in Manila, Naveed Akram entered the Philippines on an Australian passport, while his father traveled on an Indian passport. Indian police later said Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad and had limited contact with relatives there in recent years.
The Bondi Beach attack has shaken Australia and prompted renewed debate over counterterrorism measures and public safety. Police said the investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine whether others may have assisted the attackers.
