Police in New South Wales have formally charged a 24-year-old Sydney man with 59 offences following the devastating mass shooting at Bondi Beach that claimed 15 lives. Naveed Akram was charged on Wednesday after awaking from a coma, having been critically injured in a shootout with police at the scene on Sunday night.
Details of the Charges and the Attack
The charges against Naveed Akram include 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. Court staff confirmed the extensive list of 59 offences, which also features 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.
The attack targeted a Hanukah celebration on Sunday evening. Akram and his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, allegedly opened fire on the crowd. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police officers responding to the incident. Authorities have stated that the firearms used were legally obtained by the father.
International Links and Investigation Findings
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicated on Tuesday that the attack appeared to have been inspired by the Islamic State militant group. This assessment was bolstered by revelations from NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon.
Commissioner Lanyon alleged that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and two homemade Islamic State flags were discovered in a car registered to Naveed Akram, parked at the scene of the shooting. He also confirmed that Naveed and his father had travelled to Davao in the southern Philippines last month, arriving on 1 November and departing on 28 November. The reason for this trip remains under active investigation.
Aftermath and Ongoing Impact
The horrific attack resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, including a 10-year-old child. As of Wednesday, a further 20 people remained hospitalised with injuries sustained during the shooting.
Prior to the attack, Naveed Akram, who worked as a bricklayer, had informed his employer he could not work until 2026 due to a hand injury sustained from boxing. He had also requested his full work entitlements be paid out. The matter was scheduled for a court hearing on Wednesday afternoon.
