A suspect linked to a deadly incident at Bondi Beach, where 15 individuals were allegedly killed during a Jewish holiday, is anticipated to be hit with additional charges. Naveed Akram, 24, along with his late father Sajid, reportedly engaged in gunfire at a Hanukkah event in Sydney’s Archer Park on December 14, resulting in Sajid’s death. Akram is now facing 19 new charges, which include multiple counts of intending to murder, causing wounding with intent to murder, and discharging a firearm with intent to resist arrest.
Previously accused of 59 offenses, including murder and terrorism, Akram remains in custody at a high-security prison pending trial without entering a plea. The fresh charges were introduced before Akram’s court appearance at Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney. According to court documents, the accused duo parked near Archer Park on the fateful night and allegedly hurled explosive devices at a crowd, causing injuries to several individuals, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger.
Law enforcement revealed that the suspects conducted reconnaissance and firearms training prior to the attack, with a larger explosive device discovered in Akram’s vehicle, adorned with Islamic State flags. The police investigation into the tragic event is part of three official inquiries, including a probe into potential antisemitism in society and the circumstances surrounding the Bondi incident. One of the inquiries also scrutinizes calls for stricter gun regulations within the framework of a broader royal commission.