Sydney is grappling with profound shock and grief after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach that has been described as the deadliest attack in Australia in nearly three decades. The incident unfolded during a public gathering marking the first night of Hanukkah, turning a celebration of faith and community into a scene of chaos, loss and lasting trauma. As investigators piece together events, authorities say the scale and intent of the violence have fundamentally altered the national conversation around extremism, public safety and social cohesion.
The attack has left families devastated, communities mourning and the country searching for answers. With dozens injured and many still recovering in hospitals, the focus has shifted from the immediate emergency response to a complex criminal investigation and judicial process that is expected to stretch well into the coming years.
At the centre of the case is Naveed Akram, the sole surviving suspect, whose alleged actions have resulted in one of the most serious sets of criminal charges ever brought before a New South Wales court. The developments that followed the attack have revealed disturbing details about planning, ideology and the devastating human toll of the violence.
Charges Filed Against Naveed Akram
New South Wales Police have confirmed that Naveed Akram has been formally charged with a total of 59 criminal offences connected to the Bondi Beach shooting. Among these are 15 counts of murder, reflecting the number of lives lost in the attack, as well as a charge of committing a terrorist act. Authorities say the charges underscore both the scale of the violence and the ideological motivation alleged to have driven it.
In addition to the murder charges, Akram faces 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder. These charges relate to victims who survived the attack but sustained life-altering injuries. He is also charged with causing a public display of a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol, an offence that investigators say points to the extremist nature of the incident.
Second Gunman Killed at the Scene
Police have identified the second gunman as Sajid Akram, the father of Naveed Akram. The 50-year-old was killed during an exchange of gunfire with police officers who responded to the attack. Authorities say his death prevented further loss of life but has also complicated the investigation by removing a key suspect who may have provided additional insight into the planning of the assault.
Officials have stated that both gunmen were actively involved in the attack, which unfolded rapidly and targeted members of Australia’s Jewish community. The coordinated nature of the violence has been a key factor in the decision to formally designate the incident as a terrorist attack.
Deadliest Shooting Since 1996
Fifteen people were killed in the shooting, making it the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since 1996. The victims included two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor and a 10-year-old girl named Matilda, whose death has deeply affected the nation. Families, friends and strangers alike have paid tribute to those lost, with floral memorials growing at Bondi Beach in the days following the tragedy.
Dozens more were injured, with many suffering gunshot wounds and other serious trauma. Medical teams across Sydney have been working around the clock to care for the wounded, while authorities continue to provide support services for survivors and witnesses.
Hospital Hearing and Court Proceedings
Naveed Akram was critically injured during the incident and remains under medical care. Due to his condition, his first court hearing was conducted from his hospital bedside, an unusual but legally permitted measure given the severity of his injuries. The New South Wales court confirmed that the case has been adjourned until April 2026.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said officers are waiting for medication to wear off before formally questioning Akram. He stressed that procedural fairness remains essential, stating that investigators need to ensure the accused fully understands the situation and the seriousness of the charges before any detailed questioning takes place.
Victims Still Recovering
As of the latest updates, around twenty people injured in the attack remain in hospitals across Sydney. One individual is still listed in critical condition, while others face long recoveries that may include permanent physical and psychological impacts.
Two police officers were also injured while responding to the shooting. One of them, 22-year-old Jack Hibbert, has reportedly lost vision in one eye and is expected to undergo a long and challenging recovery. His injuries have highlighted the risks faced by first responders during such violent incidents.
Terrorism Designation and Alleged Extremist Links
Authorities have officially designated the Bondi Beach shooting as a terrorist incident. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the attack appears to have been motivated by ideology associated with the Islamic State group. This assessment has been supported by evidence recovered during the investigation.
Police have confirmed that homemade Islamic State group flags and improvised explosive devices were discovered inside the vehicle used by the gunmen. Investigators believe these items further demonstrate the ideological motivation behind the attack and are central to the terrorism-related charges.
International Travel Before the Attack
Investigations have revealed that Naveed and Sajid Akram travelled to the Philippines approximately one month before the Bondi Beach attack. Immigration authorities confirmed that they were in the country from early November until late November, with their final destination being the southern city of Davao.
Officials stated that Naveed Akram travelled using an Australian passport, while his father used an Indian passport. These travel details are being examined as part of a broader effort to understand whether the trip had any connection to the planning or radicalisation linked to the attack.
Background of Sajid Akram
Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad in southern India, according to police officials from the state of Telangana. Authorities there have indicated that he had limited contact with his family in India in recent years, a detail that investigators say may be relevant to understanding his movements and associations.
While his past remains under scrutiny, officials have cautioned against speculation, emphasising that the investigation is focused on establishing clear evidence related to the attack rather than drawing assumptions based on background alone.
Community Mourning and Funerals
In the days following the shooting, thousands gathered to mourn the victims. The first funeral was held for British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who had helped organise the Hanukkah event that was targeted in the attack. His death has been described as an immeasurable loss to the community.
Speaking at the funeral, Rabbi Levi Wolff described Rabbi Schlanger as a figure of compassion and selflessness, saying he devoted his life to spreading love and joy. Funerals for other victims, including young Matilda, are expected to take place over the coming days.
Political Response and Community Concerns
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced criticism from parts of the Jewish community over concerns that not enough has been done to address antisemitism. Responding to these concerns, he has pointed to measures such as appointing Australia’s first antisemitism envoy, strengthening hate speech laws and increasing funding for social cohesion initiatives.
As Australia mourns, the Bondi Beach shooting has become a defining moment, raising urgent questions about extremism, prevention and unity. The legal process ahead is expected to be lengthy, but for many, the focus remains on honouring the victims and supporting those whose lives were forever changed by the attack.
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About the Author:
Harshit Raj
