SYDNEY — Formal charges were laid today against 24-year-old Naveed Akram, the surviving suspect in the horrific mass shooting that targeted a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach last Sunday. Appearing via video link from his hospital bed, Akram was charged with a total of 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act.
The attack, which occurred on the evening of December 14, 2025, has been described as Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
The Charges and Court Appearance
Naveed Akram, who was critically injured during a shootout with police at the scene, reportedly woke from a coma on Tuesday. During the brief administrative hearing on Wednesday:
- 15 counts of murder were filed, representing each of the lives lost.
- 40 counts of wounding/causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder were issued for the dozens injured.
- One count of committing a terrorist act was included, as police allege the motive was to “advance a religious cause and cause fear.”
- Other charges include placing an explosive near a building (linked to IEDs found in the suspects’ car) and the public display of a prohibited terrorist organization symbol.
Magistrate Daniel Covington formally refused bail, and the case has been adjourned until April 2026.
Details of the Attack
The massacre unfolded during the “Chanukah by the Sea” festival, an event celebrating the first night of the Jewish holiday. Witnesses described a scene of “pure evil” as Naveed and his father, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, opened fire on the crowd.
- The Victims: Those killed range in age from a 10-year-old girl to an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor. Victims include prominent community figure Rabbi Eli Schlanger.
- The Second Shooter: Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene. Investigations revealed he had a valid firearms license and legally owned the weapons used in the attack.
- Terrorism Link: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Police have designated the attack a terrorist incident, with early indications suggesting inspiration from the Islamic State (ISIS).
Ongoing Investigation: The Philippines Connection
Federal investigators are currently scrutinizing a trip the father and son took to the Philippines in November 2025. While Philippine authorities have stated the pair stayed primarily in a hotel in Davao City and showed no suspicious behavior, Australian intelligence is investigating whether the trip involved any “military-style training” or radicalization.
National Response
The tragedy has sparked a renewed debate over gun control in Australia. NSW Premier Chris Minns has already moved to recall parliament to discuss urgent reforms, including:
- Limits on the number of firearms a single licensee can own.
- The reclassification of certain high-capacity shotguns.
- A ban on belt-fed ammunition magazines.
“This was an act of antisemitism, an act of terror, and an act of pure evil,” Prime Minister Albanese stated during a tribute at Bondi. “We want to stamp out the evil ideology that motivated this attack.
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