The man accused of carrying out a mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that killed 15 people and injured 40 others has been charged with 59 offences.
Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, are alleged to have opened fire on people attending the Chanukah by the Sea event at Bondi Beach about 6.40pm on Sunday, during celebrations marking the first night of Hanukkah.
Fifteen people, aged between 10 and 87, were killed in the attack, while 40 others were injured.
Sajid Akram was killed following a shootout with police. Naveed Akram was also injured and was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
Police confirmed Akram awoke from a coma on Tuesday night. After officers were able to speak with him on Wednesday, charges were laid.
The charges include 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder, and single counts of committing a terrorist act, discharging a firearm in public, causing a public display of a prohibited terrorist symbol, and placing an explosive in or near a building with intent to cause harm.
Akram remained in hospital when the matter was mentioned in an online court hearing on Wednesday.
He was represented by Legal Aid and did not apply for bail, which was formally refused.
He is next expected to appear before court on April 8 next year.
Authorities have confirmed Akram first came to their attention six years ago when he was investigated by counterterrorism police but was never charged.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police are examining a recent trip taken by the father and son to the Philippines, where Islamic State extremists are known to operate in the southern region of Mindanao.
The pair arrived in Manila in early November and left several weeks ago, with investigators probing the purpose of the visit.
Meanwhile, funerals have begun for the victims of the Bondi terror attack, with families gathering to farewell loved ones in a series of emotional services.
The first funeral was held for Ellie Schlanger, widely known as the Bondi Rabbi, who was remembered for his devotion to both his faith and his family.
Fellow rabbi Ritchie Moss said the service, which was live-streamed across Australia and internationally, reflected Schlanger’s influence.
“Every single person in this room and those around the world watching are here because of our deep love and admiration for Eli,” he said.
Schlanger, who had recently welcomed his fifth child, was honoured as a man who loved his family “endlessly”.
Family members were seen sobbing over his coffin during the service.
The second funeral was held for Reuven Morrison, a father, businessman and philanthropist who was remembered as the man who hurled bricks at gunman Sajid Akram during the attack.
The third funeral was for Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, described as a pillar of the community and a father of four.
“We will focus mostly on what is inspiring rather than what is devastating,” a community member said during the service.
“Yaakov would have loved that,”
The community is now preparing for the funeral on Thursday of the youngest victim of the attack, 10-year-old Matilda.
Images: X (Formerly Twitter)
