Australian police said on Wednesday they have charged a man with 59 offences, including a terrorism-related charge, following a shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
The attack took place on Sunday when an alleged father-and-son duo opened fire at the event, shocking the nation and heightening concerns over rising antisemitism and violent extremism in Australia.
Police said Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead at the scene by officers, while his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, was critically wounded and placed in a coma. Naveed regained consciousness on Tuesday afternoon after being shot by police and has now been formally charged.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had earlier said the surviving suspect would be charged within hours. However, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon told a news conference that officers waited for the effects of medication to subside before questioning him.
Funerals for victims of the attack began on Wednesday, as public anger mounted over how the gunmen—one of whom had previously been investigated for alleged extremist links—were able to obtain high-powered firearms.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the state parliament will reconvene on December 22 to consider urgent legislative reforms, including limits on the number of firearms an individual can own and tighter controls on access to certain types of shotguns.
The state government is also considering measures to restrict large street protests following terror incidents, citing concerns that such gatherings could further inflame tensions.
Authorities said investigations into the motive and any potential extremist connections are ongoing.
