Suspected Bondi Beach Shooter Faces 59 Charges, Including Terrorism

Charges Filed Against Naveed Akram for Bondi Beach Shooting

In a tragic incident that has shaken the community, authorities in Australia announced on Wednesday the charges against Naveed Akram, who is accused of opening fire during a Jewish festival at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. He faces 59 charges, including one for terrorism.

The New South Wales state police stated, “We will allege in court that the man engaged in conduct that resulted in death, serious injury, and endangerment of lives to further a religious cause and instill fear within the community.” Initial reports suggest that this may have been a terrorist act inspired by ISIS, a group identified as a terrorist organization in Australia.

On Sunday evening, Naveed Akram and his father, Sajid Akram, allegedly unleashed gunfire at the gathering, resulting in 15 fatalities and injuries to dozens more. Among the deceased were a 10-year-old girl, two Holocaust survivors, and a married couple who bravely attempted to stop the assault.

During the chaotic events, Naveed Akram was critically injured by police and subsequently fell into a coma, from which he reportedly awoke on Tuesday night. Sajid Akram met his fate in a shootout with law enforcement.

In addition to the terror charge, Naveed Akram is facing 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, as well as charges related to displaying symbols of a banned terrorist organization. Authorities discovered two homemade ISIS flags in a vehicle registered to him, which was parked near the beach.

Naveed Akram is currently hospitalized and is expected to appear in court via video link on Wednesday.

Funeral Services for Victims Commence

Funeral services have begun for the victims, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who served as an assistant rabbi at Chabad Bondi Synagogue and was a devoted father of five. Rabbi Schlanger was celebrated for his dedication to the Jewish community, often engaging with individuals in public housing and prison settings, according to community leader Alex Ryvchin.

Amid this crisis, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing backlash for perceived inaction against the rise of antisemitism in Australia, particularly following the recent Israel-Gaza conflict. The Prime Minister stated, “We are committed to working alongside the Jewish community to eliminate antisemitism from our society.”

There is increasing pressure on the government and intelligence agencies to explain how Sajid Akram was able to legally obtain the high-powered firearms utilized in the attack. In response, the government has promised significant reforms to existing gun legislation.

Interestingly, Naveed Akram had come under scrutiny from Australia’s domestic intelligence agency in 2019 due to alleged ties to ISIS, but at the time, no evidence indicated he was a significant threat, as noted by Prime Minister Albanese.

  • Naveed Akram faces 59 charges, including terrorism, for a shooting at a Jewish event in Sydney.
  • Fifteen people lost their lives, including a young girl and Holocaust survivors.
  • Authorities found homemade ISIS flags in a vehicle linked to Akram.
  • Prime Minister Albanese is under scrutiny regarding antisemitism and firearm legislation.

Por Newsroom

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