Australian police have charged the suspect in the deadly Bondi Beach mass shooting with 59 offences, including multiple counts of murder and terrorism, as funerals began Wednesday for victims of the attack that targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration.
Authorities allege that a father and son opened fire on the gathering Sunday at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, killing 15 people and wounding dozens more. The attack has shocked the country and heightened fears about rising antisemitism and violent extremism.
Police said Sajid Akram, 50, was fatally shot at the scene, while his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, was critically injured and later emerged from a coma on Tuesday. Naveed Akram has now been formally charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder, a terrorism offence and other related charges.
New South Wales Police said they will allege the accused carried out the attack to advance a religious ideology and to instill fear within the community. Early indications suggest the shooting was inspired by the Islamic State group, which is listed as a terrorist organization in Australia.
Akram appeared briefly via video link from his hospital bed on Wednesday, under heavy police guard. His lawyer did not enter pleas or seek bail. He is scheduled to appear again in court on Monday.
Police revealed the father and son had travelled to the southern Philippines — a region with a history of Islamist militancy — just weeks before the attack. Investigators are examining whether the trip played a role in the planning of the shooting.
As the investigation continues, funerals for victims began across Sydney. Among those laid to rest was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi at Chabad Bondi Synagogue and a father of five. Community leaders described him as a devoted figure who worked tirelessly to support Jewish communities across Sydney, including prison outreach and public housing visits.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced mounting criticism over whether his government acted forcefully enough to curb antisemitism in Australia amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. He reiterated his commitment to confronting hate, saying the government would work closely with Jewish communities to eradicate antisemitism.
Questions have also been raised about how Sajid Akram was able to legally obtain the high-powered firearms used in the attack. In response, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns announced plans to recall state parliament on December 22 to fast-track sweeping reforms to gun and protest laws. Proposed measures include limits on the number of firearms an individual can own and tighter controls on certain types of shotguns.
Authorities confirmed that 23 people remain hospitalized with injuries from the shooting, including police officer Jack Hibbert, who was shot twice and has lost vision in one eye. Doctors say he faces a long and difficult recovery.
The attack also highlighted acts of bravery. Ahmed al-Ahmed, a bystander who tackled one of the gunmen and helped disarm him, was wounded and is undergoing surgery. His family has described him as a hero, drawing praise from across Australia and abroad.
Victims ranged in age from a 10-year-old girl to an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor. At a vigil Tuesday night, the young girl’s father urged the community not to forget his daughter’s name or legacy.
On Wednesday, residents gathered at Bondi Beach for a minute’s silence, laying flowers along the promenade. Organizers canceled a planned New Year’s Eve celebration at the beach as the community continues to mourn.
“This week has been incredibly heavy,” said local resident Archie Kalaf. “You can feel the grief everywhere — but also people coming together, trying to process it side by side.”
