Naveed Akram, the surviving suspect in Sunday's mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one of committing a terrorist act, the New South Wales police say.
Akram, 24, was critically injured during the incident. His father Sajid Akram, 50, was killed in an exchange of fire with police at the scene.
Fifteen people were killed and dozens of others were injured in the attack, which targeted Australia's Jewish community at an event celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. It was the country's deadliest shooting since 1996.
Among the charges against Akram are 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, as well as one charge of causing a public display of a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol.
Akram had his first hearing from his hospital bedside, the local New South Wales court said. The case has been adjourned until April 2026, the court added.
Earlier on Wednesday, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said they were waiting for medication to wear off before formally questioning Akram. For his fairness, we need him to understand what is exactly happening, Lanyon said.
As of Wednesday evening local time, 17 people are still being treated in hospitals across Sydney. One is in critical condition, with four others described as critical but stable.
Police have designated the attack a terrorist incident, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying it appears to have been motivated by Islamic State group ideology.
On Tuesday, it emerged that the father and son had travelled to the Philippines in November. The Philippine immigration bureau noted that they stayed in the country from November 1 to November 28, with their final destination being Davao.
Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad, India, but had limited contact with his family there, a police official from the Indian state of Telangana stated.
Among those killed in the attack were two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl named Matilda. Injuries were reported among 27 individuals, including two police officers.
Earlier in the day, thousands gathered to mourn Rabbi Eli Schlanger, the first funeral to be held for victims of the shooting. The Jewish community has criticized Prime Minister Albanese for not taking adequate action against antisemitism.
Rabbi Levi Wolff described Schlanger's death as an unspeakable loss for the community, highlighting his commitment to spreading love and joy through his work during Hanukkah celebrations. Funerals for the other victims, including young Matilda, are expected in the coming days.
