Bondi Shooting: Suspect Akram Charged with 15 Murders

Naveed Akram, the surviving suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one of committing a terrorist act. His father, Sajid Akram, was killed in an exchange of fire with police at the scene.

Bondi Beach Shooting: Charges Filed, Investigation Continues

Akram also faces 40 charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, as well as one charge of causing a public display of a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol. He was critically injured during the incident and had his first hearing from his hospital bedside, according to the New South Wales court.

The case has been adjourned until April 2026. New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated they are waiting for medication to wear off before formally questioning Akram, ensuring he understands the proceedings.

Twenty people injured in the attack remain in hospitals across Sydney, with one person still in critical condition. Police have designated the attack a terrorist incident, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears to have been “motivated by Islamic State” group ideology.

Travel to the Philippines

Authorities have learned that the father and son travelled to the Philippines in November. Philippine immigration records show they were in the country from November 1st to November 28th, with Davao city as their final destination. Naveed Akram used an Australian passport, while his father Sajid used an Indian passport.

Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad, India, but had “limited contact” with his family there, according to a police official from the Indian state of Telangana.

Victims of the Attack

Among those killed 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 gunmen, were also among the victims.

Twenty-seven people were taken to hospital with injuries, including two police officers. Officer Jack Hibbert, 22, has lost vision in one eye and faces a “long and challenging recovery.” As of Wednesday evening local time, 17 people are still being treated in hospitals across Sydney, with one in critical condition and four others described as critical but stable.

Thousands gathered Wednesday to mourn British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, at the first funeral for the shooting victims. Rabbi Wolff described Schlanger’s death as an “unspeakable loss,” noting his dedication to spreading love and joy.

Funerals for the other victims are expected in the coming days, including for Matilda on Thursday. Prime Minister Albanese defended his attendance record at the funerals, stating he would attend any event he was invited to, and highlighted his administration’s actions against antisemitism, including appointing an antisemitism envoy and toughening hate speech laws.