New South Wales police have charged Naveed Akram, the surviving suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach, with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act.
The attack, which targeted Australia’s Jewish community during a Hanukkah event, left 15 people dead and dozens injured, marking the country’s deadliest shooting since 1996.
Police said Akram also faces 40 charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder and one charge related to a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol. He was critically injured during the incident and appeared at his first court hearing from his hospital bed.
The matter has been adjourned until April 2026, according to the New South Wales court.
Authorities have designated the shooting a terrorist incident, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying it appeared to be “motivated by Islamic State” ideology.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said investigators were waiting for medication to wear off before questioning Akram, adding, “For his fairness, we need him to understand what is exactly happening.”