An Australian man accused of killing 15 people in a massacre at a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach will face 19 more charges related to the attack, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Additional Charges Filed
Naveed Akram, already charged with 59 counts including murder, attempted murder and committing a terrorist act after two gunmen opened fire on the Jewish holiday event in December 2025, now faces further legal action. He has not yet been required to enter a plea.
The 24-year-old was shot and wounded, while his father Sajid Akram, 50, was killed in a gunbattle with police that ended the attack. The massacre was inspired by the Islamic State group, according to Australian police.
Court Appearance
Akram was due to appear on Wednesday at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court via a video link from jail. The procedural hearing was scheduled to discuss a gag order that suppresses the identities of victims and survivors who have not chosen to identify themselves publicly.
Since Akram's last appearance, 19 more charges were laid on April 15, court staff said. The additional counts included 10 of shooting with intent to murder and six of discharging a firearm with intent to resist arrest.
Details of the Attack
The men allegedly began their attack by throwing improvised explosive devices toward a crowd celebrating Hanukkah at one of Australia’s most popular beaches, but the devices did not explode, according to court documents. A larger IED was found in the trunk of the son’s car, which had been draped with Islamic State group flags, police said.
Official Inquiries
The police investigation is one of three official inquiries examining Australia’s worst alleged terrorist attack and the nation’s deadliest mass shooting in 29 years. One inquiry involves the interactions between law enforcement and intelligence agencies before the attack.
A royal commission, Australia’s highest form of public inquiry, is investigating the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in daily life, as well as the circumstances of the Bondi shooting. The commission released an interim report in April urging stricter gun controls and began its first public hearings on Monday.
