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A 24-year-old accused gunman in the Bondi Beach massacre that claimed 15 lives was charged Wednesday with 59 offenses, including murder and terrorism, as Sydney’s Jewish community began the somber process of burying their dead.
Naveed Akram faces 15 murder charges, one count of committing a terrorist act, and 40 counts of causing harm with intent to murder in relation to the wounded. He was also charged with placing explosive devices near a building with intent to cause harm. Police confirmed that improvised explosive devices were discovered in the vehicle found at the crime scene.
Akram appeared in court via video link from his hospital bed, where he remains under police guard after being shot by officers during the attack. He did not enter a plea or request bail during the appearance. His father, Sajid Akram, 50, who allegedly participated in the attack, died at the scene.
The massacre occurred Sunday during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, targeting members of Sydney’s Jewish community. All victims identified so far were Jewish, with their ages ranging from a 10-year-old girl to an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor. Seventeen people remain hospitalized, with one in critical condition.
As families began to hold funerals on Wednesday, hundreds of mourners gathered to pay respects to Eli Schlanger, 41, a father of five who served as assistant rabbi at Chabad-Lubavitch of Bondi and organized the Chanukah by the Sea event where the attack took place. The London-born Schlanger also worked as a chaplain in New South Wales prisons and at a Sydney hospital.
“After what happened, my biggest regret was I could have done more to tell Eli more often how much we love him,” said Schlanger’s father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, speaking through tears. The funeral scene near the attack site was hushed and grim, with a heavy police presence.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated Tuesday that authorities believe the shooting was “a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State.” Investigators are examining a trip the suspects made to the Philippines in November, exploring potential connections to militant groups in the region.
The Islamic State group, though considerably weakened since losing its territorial holdings in Iraq and Syria in 2019, continues to inspire attacks globally through its network of cells and sympathizers. Philippine officials, however, report no recent indications of foreign militants operating in the country’s south.
The attack has prompted a national reckoning about antisemitism, which has seen a troubling rise in Australia over the past year, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, home to 85% of the country’s Jewish population. Jewish community leaders have criticized the government for not heeding their previous warnings about the threat of violence.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged Wednesday to take whatever government action was needed to combat antisemitism. He and state leaders have also committed to tightening Australia’s already strict gun laws in what would be the most significant reforms since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre that killed 35 people.
The proposed measures include restricting gun ownership to Australian citizens and limiting the number of weapons a person can possess. These reforms come after it emerged that the older suspect had legally obtained six weapons.
Since the Port Arthur tragedy and subsequent gun control legislation, mass shootings have been rare in Australia, making Sunday’s attack all the more shocking to the nation.
As the community struggles to process the tragedy, Australians have responded with practical acts of solidarity. Blood donation centers reported hours-long lines, and at dawn on Wednesday, hundreds of swimmers gathered at Bondi Beach to form a circle on the sand and hold a minute of silence before running into the sea.
Part of the beach remains cordoned off behind police tape as the investigation continues, with abandoned shoes and towels still scattered across the sand where people fled in terror.
Despite the horror, Rabbi Ulman affirmed that the annual Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, which has run for 31 years, would continue. “Eli lived and breathed this idea that we can never ever allow them not only to succeed, but anytime that they try something we become greater and stronger,” he said.
“We’re going to show the world that the Jewish people are unbeatable.”
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20 Comments
The targeting of a Jewish community during Hanukkah celebrations is particularly chilling. We must stand united against all forms of antisemitism and religious intolerance.
Absolutely. Attacks on religious minorities are unacceptable. We must redouble our efforts to promote interfaith understanding and combat the rise of extremism in all its forms.
The loss of a father who allegedly participated in the attack adds an additional layer of tragedy to this horrific event. My heart goes out to all the families affected.
Agreed. The complex family dynamics and potential for further trauma in the aftermath of such an event are deeply concerning. Providing comprehensive support and counseling will be crucial.
While the details are still emerging, this appears to be a well-planned and coordinated attack. I hope the investigation can uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and any potential accomplices.
Absolutely. Uncovering the broader network behind this attack will be essential to preventing similar incidents in the future and ensuring all responsible parties are held accountable.
This is a horrific tragedy. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. We must work to prevent such senseless acts of violence and hatred in the future.
Agreed. Extremism and terrorism have no place in our society. We must stand united against such evil and ensure the victims are remembered with dignity.
The charges against the accused gunman are appropriate given the severity of the crime. I hope the judicial process can bring some measure of justice and closure to the community.
Absolutely. The loss of 15 innocent lives is devastating. We must ensure the perpetrators face the full consequences of their actions.
The use of explosive devices in this attack is particularly disturbing. I hope the investigation can uncover the full extent of the planning and resources behind this horrific act.
Agreed. The sophistication of the attack suggests a concerning level of organization and capability. Thorough analysis of the explosives and their origins will be crucial.
The wide range of ages among the victims, from a child to an elderly Holocaust survivor, underscores the indiscriminate nature of this attack. My condolences to all the families affected.
Heartbreaking. The targeting of a vulnerable community celebrating a religious holiday is truly despicable. We must do more to protect our most vulnerable citizens.
The accused gunman’s appearance in court via video link underscores the need for robust security measures in the aftermath of such a devastating event. Public safety must be the top priority.
Agreed. Maintaining a strong security presence and implementing additional safeguards will be crucial to protect the community and allow the healing process to begin.
The high number of casualties and hospitalized victims highlights the scale of this tragedy. I hope the injured can make a full recovery and that the community finds the strength to heal.
Agreed. The sheer number of lives impacted is staggering. Providing comprehensive support and resources for the victims and their families will be crucial in the aftermath.
This attack on a Hanukkah celebration is a chilling reminder of the ongoing threat of antisemitism. We must remain vigilant and do more to combat hate and intolerance.
Well said. Protecting religious and ethnic minorities from such attacks should be a top priority. Education and interfaith dialogue are crucial to prevent future tragedies.