Bondi Beach Shooting: Surviving Gunman Wakes From Coma as Community Mourns First Victim

The surviving attacker from the Bondi Beach shooting has woken from a coma. Police in Sydney said they plan to question 24-year-old Naveed Akram after the attack that left 15 people dead during a Hanukkah event. The shooting took place on Sunday near Bondi Beach and shocked Australia.

Officials said the step is key to the investigation. Police also confirmed that the first funeral for the victims was held on Wednesday. The service brought hundreds of mourners to a synagogue near the scene.

Bondi Beach Shooting Investigation Moves Ahead After Key Breakthrough

Police confirmed they will speak with Naveed Akram as soon as doctors approve it. According to Reuters, the attacker regained consciousness late Tuesday. Officers said the new development may open more details about the motive.

Crowds gathered Wednesday morning for the funeral of Rabbi Eli Schlanger. He was a father of five and one of the 15 victims. His family said they are still in shock.

An online fundraiser for the family passed A$570,000 by midday. New South Wales police also raised patrols around Bondi during the ceremony. The community set up a public memorial of flowers and candles near the crime scene.

Police also confirmed that Islamic State flags were found in a car linked to the attackers. Officials in the Philippines said the pair visited a region linked to ISIS groups last month. Australian intelligence had previously investigated Naveed in 2019.

Why the Bondi Beach Shooting Matters for National Security

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack was inspired by ISIS. He said more checks are underway to understand why the pair traveled to the Philippines. He also said the case shows gaps in monitoring extremist activity.

Police later confirmed that the father, Sajid Akram, received his gun license in 2023. Earlier reports had the year wrong. The correction raised more questions about how the license was approved after his son was investigated.

Hospitals in New South Wales said 22 people remain under treatment. Many of them are still in serious condition. Donations for the man who stopped one of the gunmen reached A$2.4 million.

The Bondi Beach shooting has shaken Australia. The attack has also raised new questions about extremist networks and national security checks. Police say the investigation continues and more facts will emerge in the coming days.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the Bondi Beach shooting?

The Bondi Beach shooting was an attack during a Hanukkah event that killed 15 people. It happened near the beach in Sydney on Sunday. Police said it was ISIS-inspired.

Q2: Who is the surviving gunman?

The surviving gunman is 24-year-old Naveed Akram. He woke from a coma and police plan to question him. He was earlier investigated for extremist links.

Q3: What did police find in the attackers’ vehicle?

Police found homemade ISIS flags in the vehicle. They said this supports claims of extremist motives. The items are now part of the main evidence.

Q4: How has the community responded?

The community set up a memorial near the scene. Donations for victims’ families have reached millions. Many people attended the first funeral on Wednesday.

Q5: What is known about the father’s gun license?

Police said the father received his gun license in 2023. The date was earlier reported incorrectly. The update raised concerns about oversight.