Australian authorities on Wednesday formally charged one of the suspected attackers behind the deadly Bondi Beach shooting with murder and terrorism, as devastated families and communities began burying the first of the 15 people killed in the assault.
Police said Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed, carried out the attack on Sunday evening during a Jewish festival at the popular Sydney beach, opening fire in what investigators believe was a shooting inspired by the Islamic State group.
Naveed Akram, 24, was charged with 15 counts of murder after regaining consciousness from a coma. He was also charged with committing a “terrorist act” and planting a bomb with intent to cause harm. New South Wales police said they would allege in court that he engaged in actions that led to death, serious injuries and widespread danger “to advance a religious cause and cause fear in the community.”
“Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by ISIS, a listed terrorist organization in Australia,” police said in a statement.
His father, Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead at the scene following a confrontation with police. Naveed, who was also shot, remains hospitalised under police guard.
Investigators said the attack appeared designed to instil fear among Australia’s Jewish population and are examining whether the suspects had contact with Islamist extremists during a recent trip to the Philippines. Philippine authorities, however, said there was no evidence the country was being used for “terrorist training.”
As legal proceedings began, grief engulfed Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The first funerals for the victims were held amid scenes of anguish and heavy security.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger was the first laid to rest, drawing large crowds to the Chabad of Bondi Synagogue. Mourners overflowed into surrounding streets as family members struggled to contain their grief. Two young women cried out as they threw themselves onto the coffin of the father of five, draped in black velvet embroidered with the Star of David.
“You’re my son, my friend and confidant,” his father-in-law, Yehoram Ulman, said tearfully. “To think I will go a day without you, it doesn’t seem possible.”
The 41-year-old cleric was widely known in the area as the “rabbi of Bondi” and served as a chaplain in prisons and hospitals, according to the Chabad movement. Fellow mourners wept openly as police lined the streets outside the synagogue to manage the crowds, while others followed the service on their phones from outside.
“This loss is massive for the entire Jewish nation, but for our community here, and for Chabad of Bondi, the loss is unspeakable,” rabbi Levi Wolff told mourners.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the day as especially painful for the nation, saying, “My heart goes out to the community today and every day.”
Later, mourners gathered for the funeral of rabbi Yaakov Levitan, another victim and father of four, who was remembered for his charitable work. Other victims included a 10-year-old girl, two Holocaust survivors and a married couple who were killed while trying to stop the attackers.
That couple, Boris and Sofia Gurman, were hailed as heroes after dashcam footage emerged showing them confronting one of the gunmen in the early moments of the attack. Boris, 69, a retired mechanic, was seen knocking the attacker to the ground and briefly wresting away his weapon as his wife rushed to assist. The assailant later obtained another gun, killing both.
“While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness,” their family said.
The attack has raised renewed questions about whether warning signs were missed. Naveed Akram had reportedly come to the attention of Australia’s intelligence agency in 2019 but was not deemed an imminent threat.
In response, Australian leaders have agreed to tighten firearm laws that allowed Sajid Akram to legally own six guns. Although mass shootings have been rare since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre that prompted sweeping gun reforms, authorities have acknowledged a steady rise in private gun ownership.
The tragedy has also reignited concerns over rising antisemitism. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Western governments to act decisively, saying, “I demand that Western governments do what is necessary to fight antisemitism and provide the required safety and security for Jewish communities worldwide… I demand action—now.”
What you should know
The Bondi Beach shooting has become one of Australia’s deadliest attacks in decades, with authorities treating it as terrorism linked to extremist ideology.
One suspect is dead, while the other faces multiple murder and terrorism charges. The incident has triggered national mourning, renewed scrutiny of gun laws, and concerns about intelligence failures. It has also intensified global conversations about antisemitism and the protection of Jewish communities.
As investigations continue, the case is likely to influence Australia’s counterterrorism policies, firearm regulations and broader security approach in the months ahead.
