15 Murder Charges Filed Against Attacker In Bondi Massacre Amid First Funerals

On December 17, 2025, Australian authorities formally charged 24-year-old Naveed Akram with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act, following the deadliest mass shooting in the country since 1996. Akram and his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, who was killed by police at the scene, allegedly opened fire on a "Chanukah by the Sea" celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Police state the attack was "inspired by ISIS" and designed to advance a religious cause, noting that the suspects had traveled to the southern Philippines just weeks prior. As funerals began for the 15 victims, which included two rabbis, a 10-year-old girl named Matilda, and 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, anger has intensified over how the elder Akram was able to legally acquire the six high-powered firearms used in the assault.

In the wake of the tragedy, Ahmed al-Ahmed, a Syrian-Australian fruit shop owner, has been hailed as a national hero for tackling one of the gunmen; a public fundraiser for his recovery has now surpassed $2.3 million AUD. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns have both visited the wounded, including young police officer Jack Hibbert, who lost vision in one eye during the firefight. Seeking to prevent future radicalisation and ensure community safety, Premier Minns has recalled parliament for an emergency session on December 22 to pass "urgent" gun reforms, including caps on firearm ownership and the reclassification of certain shotguns. Additionally, the government is proposing new laws to restrict mass protests following terror events to maintain "a summer of calm" and prevent further social friction during this high-tension period.