Naveed Akram, the surviving suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one of committing a terrorist act, according to New South Wales police.
At 24 years of age, Akram was critically injured during the violent incident that left 15 dead and many more wounded as it targeted Australia's Jewish community at a Hanukkah celebration. This tragic event is noted as the deadliest shooting in Australia since 1996.
Among the charges against him, Akram faces 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, as well as charges linked to promoting a terrorist organization. His first court hearing took place from his hospital bed, where he is recovering from his injuries.
In the immediate aftermath, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared the incident a terrorist act motivated by ideologies associated with the Islamic State group.
As the community grieves, vigils and tributes emerge for the victims, which include two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a young girl. The public's sorrow is palpable as they gather to honor the loss of life during what should have been a night of celebration.
As many survivors remain hospitalized, with several critical cases, the local authorities are investigating the details surrounding the attack, including travels made by the father-son duo to the Philippines prior to the shooting.
The case remains under the scrutiny of law enforcement as updates unfold, while families are left to mourn the unspeakable loss that this tragic event has brought to their lives.
