Australian police have charged Bondi Beach shooting suspect Naveed Akram with 15 counts of murder, following a deadly attack that left multiple people dead and injured.
Australian police have charged a 24-year-old man with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder, following a mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as Navid Akram, was formally charged on Wednesday after regaining consciousness in a Sydney hospital. Police described the attack as one of the deadliest acts of mass violence in recent Australian history.
Investigators said the shooting was carried out by a father and son who opened fire on crowds celebrating the Jewish festival, killing 15 people and injuring more than 30 others.
Police said the 50-year-old father was shot dead at the scene, while his 24-year-old son survived and was taken into custody after receiving medical treatment.
According to Australian media reports, the charges include one count of murder for each victim and an additional charge of committing a “terrorist act,” reflecting the scale and nature of the assault.
Police said the suspect was Australian-born, while his father was originally from Hyderabad, India, as authorities continued to examine possible motives and whether others were involved.
The charges were announced as the first funerals for the victims began, prompting renewed calls from political leaders and community figures for unity, calm, and stronger security at religious and cultural events across the country.
