Australia charges Bondi Beach shooter with terrorism after deadly attack

• Naveed Akram, 24, charged with terrorism and 15 counts of murder over Bondi Beach Hanukkah shooting.

• Attack inspired by Daesh; father Sajid Akram killed by police during the assault.

• Victims included families and holiday visitors; Daesh flags and possible explosives found, fueling terrorism investigation.

Australian police have formally charged 24‑year‑old Naveed Akram with terrorism, 15 counts of murder and numerous other offenses over a mass shooting that killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach near Sydney. 

Authorities say the attack on Sunday evening was inspired by the Daesh group, with early indicators pointing to an ideologically driven act of terror. 

The gunmen, Akram and his 50‑year‑old father, Sajid Akram, opened fire on a crowd attending the “Chanukah by the Sea” event, one of the busiest festivities during the Jewish holiday. The older man was killed by police at the scene, while Naveed was seriously injured and later emerged from a coma for questioning.

Police allege the attack was intended to advance a religious cause and spread fear within the community. Investigators also found Daesh flags and possible explosive devices in a vehicle linked to the suspects, reinforcing the terrorism aspect of the charges.

The victims ranged widely in age and included families and visitors attending the celebration. The incident marks one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australia in decades, prompting national mourning, debates about extremism, and calls for unity against hate‑driven violence. 

Authorities continue to investigate the background and motives of the attackers as the legal process moves forward.