Bondi Beach Shooter Faces 59 Charges, Including 15 Murders

A suspected gunman involved in the deadly attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach has been charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder. The tragic incident occurred on December 10, 2023, during a gathering celebrating Hanukkah, where two shooters opened fire on the crowd, killing 15 individuals and injuring 40 others.

One of the attackers, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second shooter, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, was charged after emerging from a coma in a Sydney hospital. The charges against him encompass one count of murder for each victim, a single count of committing a terrorist act, and 40 counts of causing harm with intent to murder. These latter charges pertain to the injuries sustained by multiple victims and the improvised explosive devices discovered in the Akram brothers’ vehicle.

The New South Wales police have categorized the shooting as a “terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State.” A police statement indicated that they would allege in court that the shooters engaged in conduct that led to death, serious injury, and endangered lives in an effort to advance a religious cause and instill fear within the community. Naveed Akram is scheduled to appear in court on April 8, 2026.

The incident unfolded during an event attended by over 1,000 people, marking the first night of Hanukkah. Among the deceased were notable figures such as British-born rabbi Eli Schlanger and Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman. Tragically, the youngest victim was just 10 years old.

This attack is now recorded as the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, which claimed the lives of 35 individuals. Following that event, Australia implemented some of the strictest gun control laws in the world. In 2023, the country saw only 31 firearm deaths nationwide, highlighting a significant reduction in gun violence. Authorities revealed that Sajid Akram had legally acquired the firearms used in the attack.

In the wake of the shooting, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to review and potentially tighten existing gun control laws. He emphasized the government’s readiness to take necessary actions, stating, “Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws.” Discussions may include restricting gun ownership to Australian citizens, which could have prevented Sajid Akram, who immigrated to Australia in 1998 on a student visa and later became a permanent resident through marriage, from obtaining firearms. His brother, Naveed Akram, is an Australian-born citizen.

As the community mourns, families of the victims have begun holding funerals, which have attracted significant police presence. A vigil was conducted on December 12 to honor the youngest victim, Matilda. Currently, 20 individuals remain hospitalized with various injuries resulting from the attack.

The shooting has sparked a broader conversation about antisemitism in Australia. In a video message released after the attack, Prime Minister Albanese expressed solidarity with the Jewish community, stating, “We stand with you,” and condemned the event as an “act of evil antisemitism.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also addressed the situation, suggesting that Australia’s policies may have exacerbated tensions surrounding antisemitism. He remarked, “Antisemitism is a cancer that spreads when leaders remain silent,” urging a stronger response to such hatred.

The Bondi Beach attack has not only left a deep scar on the local community but also raised pressing questions about the state of public safety and the effectiveness of current policies in combating hate and violence.