Bondi Beach Terror Attack Suspect Charged With 15 Counts of Murder in Sydney

Australian police charged Naveed Akram on Wednesday in Sydney. He is accused of carrying out the Bondi Beach terror attack that killed 15 people during a Chanukah event. The attack also left 40 people hurt in one of the deadliest mass killings in modern Australia.

Swimmers gather for a morning vigil in Sydney, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, following Sunday’s shooting at Bondi Beach. (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image via AP)/AAP Image via AP)

Akram, 24, woke from a coma this week and faced court from his hospital bed. The hearing was brief, and he did not enter a plea. The case was pushed to April as police continue their investigation.

Bondi Beach Terror Attack Investigation Expands

Police said the Bondi Beach terror attack was driven by extremist ideology linked to the Islamic State group. According to Reuters, officers confirmed that all victims identified so far were Jewish. This detail has raised concern among community leaders and government officials.

Police charged Akram with 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He also faces 40 charges of causing harm with intent to murder. Officers said they found improvised explosive devices inside a vehicle linked to Akram and his father, Sajid.

Authorities are reviewing the pair’s activities before the attack. Travel records show both men spent most of November in Davao, in the southern Philippines. The region was once a base for extremist groups but is now considered more stable after military operations ended many of those networks. Officials in the Philippines said no foreign terrorist cells are active there today.

Acquaintances told reporters that Akram was known as quiet and reliable at work. His sudden month-long absence before the attack drew attention, according to reporting from the Guardian. This information is part of the broader timeline investigators are piecing together.

Security Concerns Rise After Sydney Attack

Australian officials are now reviewing how Akram was removed from a prior watch list. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, he was monitored for six months before being cleared. That decision did not restrict his father from buying firearms, which has raised questions about oversight.

Sajid Akram moved to Australia from Hyderabad, India, in 1998 on a student visa. He became a permanent resident in 2001. His son Naveed was born the same year and lived in Sydney his entire life.

The attack has renewed national debate over domestic extremism. Security analysts say Australia has seen fewer organized plots in recent years. But they warn that lone‑actor attacks remain difficult to predict. The Bondi Beach terror attack has now become a central case in that discussion.

Officials say the Bondi Beach terror attack will shape policy changes in the months ahead. The case remains under active investigation as Australia looks for answers.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What charges does Akram face?

He faces 15 murder charges and one terrorism charge. He also faces 40 charges of causing harm with intent to murder. Police said more charges may follow.

Q2: Why is the Bondi Beach terror attack called a terror event?

Police said the attack was driven by extremist ideology. They linked it to beliefs connected with the Islamic State group. This meets the legal definition of terrorism in Australia.

Q3: Were explosives found?

Police said they found improvised explosive devices in a vehicle linked to Akram. The devices were secured and removed by specialist teams. No other explosives have been found.

Q4: What do we know about the victims?

Police said all victims identified so far were Jewish. Many were at a Chanukah celebration. Families are still being notified.

Q5: Did the recent Philippines trip play a role?

Police are reviewing the trip to Davao. Officials in the Philippines said no foreign terror groups are active there. The visit is still part of the inquiry.