SYDNEY, Australia (WHN) – Naveed Akram, the surviving suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach, has been charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder and one of committing a terrorist act, New South Wales police reported Wednesday.
Akram, 24, sustained critical injuries during the incident. His father, Sajid Akram, 50, was killed in an exchange of fire with police at the scene.
Fifteen people died and dozens were injured in the attack. It targeted Australia’s Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration. The incident marked the nation’s deadliest shooting since 1996.
Charges against Naveed Akram include 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder. A charge of causing a public display of a prohibited terrorist organization symbol was also filed.
Akram’s first court hearing took place from his hospital bedside, according to the New South Wales court. The case was adjourned until April 2026.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated Wednesday they awaited medication to wear off before formal questioning. “For his fairness, we need him to understand what is exactly happening,” Lanyon said.
As of Wednesday evening, 17 individuals remained hospitalized in Sydney. One person is in critical condition. Four others are described as critical but stable.
Authorities have designated the attack a terrorist incident. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicated it appeared “motivated by Islamic State” group ideology.
Reports emerged Tuesday that the father and son had traveled to the Philippines in November. The Philippine immigration bureau confirmed their presence from November 1 to November 28. Their destination was Davao.
Naveed Akram used an Australian passport for the trip. His father, Sajid Akram, used an Indian passport, border authorities in Manila confirmed.
Sajid Akram originated from Hyderabad, India. He had “limited contact” with his family there, a police official from Telangana stated.
Among the deceased were two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl, identified by her family as Matilda.
Boris and Sofia Gurman, a couple seen wrestling with a gunman early in the attack, were also among the victims.
Twenty-seven other people were hospitalized with injuries. This number includes two police officers.
Officer Jack Hibbert, 22, lost vision in one eye. His family stated he faces a “long and challenging recovery.”
Thousands gathered Wednesday for the funeral of British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, the first service for victims of the shooting.
Prime Minister Albanese was not in attendance. He told ABC NewsRadio, “I would attend anything that I’m invited to. These are funerals that are taking place to farewell people’s loved ones.”
The Jewish community has criticized Albanese regarding his actions on antisemitism. He defended his record, citing measures like appointing an antisemitism envoy and toughening hate speech laws.
Rabbi Levi Wolff described Rabbi Schlanger’s death as an “unspeakable loss” at the funeral. “Eli was ripped away from us, doing what he loved best,” Wolff stated.
Rabbi Schlanger helped organize Sunday’s Hanukkah event.
Funerals for other victims are scheduled in the coming days. This includes Matilda, the youngest victim, on Thursday.