By Blessing Nweke
Naveed Akram, the sole surviving suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, has been charged with 59 criminal offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act, New South Wales Police have said. The attack, which targeted Australia’s Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration, left 15 people dead and dozens injured, making it the country’s deadliest shooting since 1996.
Akram’s father and alleged accomplice, Sajid Akram, 50, was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police at the scene. Authorities say the father and son opened fire during an event marking the first night of Hanukkah, causing panic among hundreds of attendees.
In addition to the murder charges, Naveed Akram faces 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, as well as a charge related to the public display of a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol. Police have formally designated the incident a terrorist attack, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating it appears to have been motivated by Islamic State group ideology.
Investigators say “homemade” Islamic State flags and improvised explosive devices were discovered inside the vehicle used by the attackers. Akram, who was critically injured during the shooting, appeared for his first court hearing from his hospital bed. The case has been adjourned until April 2026.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said officers are waiting for Akram’s medication to wear off before conducting a full interview. “For his fairness, we need him to understand exactly what is happening,” he said.
Twenty people remain hospitalised across Sydney, one in critical condition. As the city mourns, funerals for the victims are continuing, with community leaders describing the attack as an unspeakable loss and a profound shock to the nation.
Original article
Comments