Accused gunman in Bondi Beach shooting charged with 15 counts of murder

Sydney, Australia – Naveed Akram, the 24-year-old man accused of opening fire at Bondi Beach, has been formally charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder. The charges were filed on Wednesday as the community began to mourn the victims.

The shooting, which took place on Sunday, claimed the lives of 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration. More than 20 others remain hospitalized with injuries. Authorities have confirmed that all the deceased identified so far were Jewish.

The incident has ignited a national debate in Australia regarding antisemitism, gun control policies, and the adequacy of security measures for Jewish events.

Akram was charged after regaining consciousness in a Sydney hospital, where he has been under care since being shot by police along with his father, Sajid Akram, 50, who died at the scene. In addition to the murder charges, Akram faces a charge of committing a terrorist act, 40 counts of causing harm with intent to murder, and a charge related to placing an explosive near a building. Police discovered improvised explosive devices in the Akrams' vehicle at the crime scene.

During a video court appearance from his hospital bed, Akram's lawyer did not enter a plea or request bail. Legal Aid NSW is representing Akram, but the organization has a policy against commenting to the media on behalf of its clients. Akram will remain in the hospital under police guard until he is well enough to be transferred to prison.

Community Begins to Bury the Dead

Sydney's Jewish community has commenced funerals for the victims, who ranged in age from 10 to 87. The coroner's investigations have caused delays to the burials, which traditionally occur within 24 hours of death.

The first funeral was held for Eli Schlanger, 41, a father of five and assistant rabbi at Chabad-Lubavitch of Bondi. Schlanger organized the Chanukah by the Sea event where the shooting occurred. He also served as a chaplain in prisons and a hospital.

"I could have done more to tell Eli more often how much we love him," said Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, Schlanger's father-in-law. "I hope he knew that. I’m sure he knew it, but I think it should’ve been said more often.”

Mourner Dmitry Chlafma, a longtime congregant, described Schlanger as “warm, happy, generous, one of a kind.”

The atmosphere outside the funeral was somber, with a significant police presence.

Authorities Investigate Possible ISIS Connection

Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated on Wednesday that the attack is believed to be "a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State.” While the Islamic State group has been weakened since 2019, it continues to inspire attacks globally.

Investigators are also looking into the suspects' trip to the Philippines in November. Muslim separatist groups in the southern Philippines, including Abu Sayyaf, have previously supported ISIS and hosted foreign militants.

Government Pledges Action

The attack has intensified scrutiny of the government's efforts to combat hate crimes, particularly antisemitism. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised to take action to eliminate antisemitism. He and other state leaders plan to tighten gun laws, potentially enacting the most significant reforms since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.

Proposed measures include restricting gun ownership to Australian citizens and limiting the number of weapons an individual can possess. Albanese noted that the older suspect had legally acquired six weapons.

Australians Unite in Grief

In the wake of the tragedy, Australians are seeking ways to support the affected community. Blood donation centers have reported long lines, and hundreds of swimmers gathered at Bondi Beach for a moment of silence before entering the water.

As the investigation continues, parts of the beach remain closed off. The Hanukkah celebration will continue, Rabbi Ulman affirmed, to defy the attackers' intent.

"We’re going to show the world that the Jewish people are unbeatable," he said.