Bondi Beach Shooting Naveed Akram Charged With 15 Murders

Bondi Beach shooting: Naveed Akram charged with 15 murders and terrorist acts in Sydney’s deadliest attack targeting Jewish community.

Naveed Akram, the suspect who survived the mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one charge of committing a terrorist act, according to New South Wales police.

The deadly attack, which targeted Australia’s Jewish community during the first night of Hanukkah, killed 15 people and injured dozens. Among the victims were two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl named Matilda. Boris and Sofia Gurman, a couple filmed wrestling with one of the attackers, also died in the incident.

Akram’s father, Sajid Akram, 50, was killed at the scene during a gunfire exchange with police. Naveed Akram was critically injured and had his first court hearing from his hospital bedside. His case is adjourned until April 2026.

Police have classified the incident as a terrorist attack. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the attack appeared inspired by Islamic State ideology. Around 20 people remain hospitalized, with some in critical condition, including police officer Jack Hibbert who lost vision in one eye.

Investigations revealed that Naveed and Sajid Akram had traveled to the Philippines in November before the attack. Naveed used an Australian passport, while his father traveled on an Indian passport. Sajid originally hailed from Hyderabad, India.

Thousands gathered in Sydney to mourn the victims. Rabbi Eli Schlanger’s funeral was the first, with community leaders describing his death as an “unspeakable loss.” Funerals for other victims, including Matilda, are expected in the coming days.

The attack has intensified discussions about antisemitism in Australia, with the government highlighting measures taken to combat hate speech and protect Jewish communities.