WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Prosecutors have filed 19 additional weapons charges against an Australian man accused of carrying out a deadly attack that claimed 15 lives during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, authorities announced Wednesday.
Naveed Akram, 24, was previously facing 59 criminal counts including murder, attempted murder and terrorism-related offenses following the December 2025 attack when he and another gunman fired on attendees at the Jewish holiday gathering. Akram has not yet been asked to enter a plea in the case.
The suspect sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, while his father, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, died in the shootout with police that brought the attack to an end. Australian authorities determined the assault was motivated by the Islamic State terrorist organization.
Akram was scheduled to appear Wednesday at Sydney’s Downing Center Local Court through video conference from his jail cell. The procedural session was set to address a publication ban protecting the identities of attack victims and survivors who have not publicly identified themselves.
Court personnel confirmed Wednesday that the 19 new charges were filed on April 15, following Akram’s previous court appearance. The fresh counts include 10 charges of shooting with intent to murder and six charges of firing a weapon while resisting arrest.
According to earlier court filings, the attackers initially attempted to throw homemade explosive devices into the crowd of Hanukkah celebrants at the popular Australian beach, but the devices failed to detonate. Police discovered a larger improvised explosive device in the trunk of the younger Akram’s vehicle, which had been decorated with Islamic State banners.
The ongoing police investigation represents one of three official examinations into what authorities describe as Australia’s most serious alleged terrorist incident and the country’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades. One inquiry focuses on coordination between law enforcement and intelligence services prior to the attack.
A royal commission, representing Australia’s most comprehensive form of public investigation, is examining both the extent of antisemitism in Australian society and the specific circumstances surrounding the Bondi Beach shooting. The commission published a preliminary report in April recommending enhanced firearm restrictions and commenced public testimony sessions on Monday.
