Australian police on Wednesday charged a man with 59 offences, including a terrorism-related charge, after a shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah event on Sydney’s Bondi Beach that shocked the nation.
The attack on Sunday, when a father and son opened fire during a public celebration on the popular beachfront. Police confirmed that the father, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was shot dead at the scene by officers. His 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, was also shot during the response and remained in a coma until Tuesday afternoon, when he regained consciousness.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said earlier on Wednesday that the surviving suspect would be charged within hours. However, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon told a news conference that investigators were waiting for the effects of medication to subside before formally questioning him.
BREAKING: The alleged perpetrator of the Bondi beach attack has been charged with 59 offences. Media commentator Adrian Falk reacts. pic.twitter.com/MGnfMpWmJO
— GB News (@GBNEWS) December 17, 2025Funerals for the Jewish victims of the attack began on Wednesday, as public anger grew over how the alleged gunmen were able to obtain high-powered firearms. One of the suspects had previously been investigated over possible links to extremist activity, raising further questions about firearm access and oversight.
Read: Australia Seeks India’s Help as Bondi Beach Attack Probe Expands Overseas
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the state parliament would reconvene on December 22 to consider urgent legislative reforms. Proposed measures include limiting the number of firearms an individual can own and tightening access to certain types of shotguns.
BREAKING: Alleged Bondi Beach attacker Naveed Akram has been charged with 59 offences, including a terror charge
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— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 17, 2025The state government is also reviewing laws governing large street protests in the aftermath of terror-related incidents. Officials said the aim is to reduce the risk of further tensions and prevent public disorder following such attacks.
Authorities stressed that investigations into the Bondi Beach shooting remain ongoing, while political leaders reiterated calls for stronger safeguards to protect communities and prevent extremist violence.
