A mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney has left a stark and devastating toll, with a surviving suspect now facing a wide complex of charges. Naveed Akram, the only alleged gunman who remains alive, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and a single count of committing a terrorist act, according to New South Wales Police. The other gunman, Akram’s father Sajid Akram, 50, was killed in a shootout with officers at the scene.
Fifteen people lost their lives and many others were wounded in the attack, which targeted Australia’s Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration on the event’s first night. This tragedy marks the deadliest shooting Australia has experienced since 1996.
In addition to the murder charges, Naveed Akram faces 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, and one charge related to displaying a prohibited terrorist organization symbol in public. He sustained critical injuries during the incident and has since attended his first court hearing from his hospital bed. The matter was adjourned to a hearing date in April 2026.
Police have described the attack as a terrorist incident. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicated the suspected motive appears linked to Islamic State ideology, and investigators reported finding homemade Islamic State flags and improvised explosive devices in the vehicle used by the gunmen.
As investigators continue to gather evidence, twenty people remain in hospitals across Sydney, with one person reported to be in a critical condition. Officials say more updates will come as the case develops. For real-time updates, you can follow BBC News Breaking or the BBC News app on mobile.
