ISIS-Inspired Bondi Beach Gunman to Face Terrorism, Murder Charges After Deadly Hanukkah Massacre
Australian authorities have charged 24-year-old Naveed Akram with terrorism and multiple counts of murder following a brutal ISIS-inspired attack on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach. The mass shooting left 15 people dead and dozens more injured in what police are calling one of the worst terror incidents in the nation’s history.
Akram, who remains hospitalized with critical injuries, has been charged with 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder, discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, displaying a prohibited terrorist organization symbol, and placing explosives near buildings with intent to harm. His 50-year-old accomplice, Sajid Akram, was killed by police during the attack.
According to authorities, the attack was specifically aimed at Jewish civilians gathered for a community Hanukkah celebration on the beach. Victims range in age from 10 to 87.
New South Wales Police confirmed that two ISIS flags were recovered from a vehicle used by the attackers. A statement from police said Akram acted to “advance a religious cause and cause fear in the community,” and that the massacre was inspired by the Islamic State, which remains a designated terror organization in Australia.
Further investigation revealed that both Akram men traveled to the Philippines from November 1 through November 28, where they are believed to have undergone military-style training. The region is known for hosting Islamist militant networks tied to ISIS.
What’s raising even more concern is that Naveed Akram had previously been investigated for terrorism. Six years ago, he was wrapped up in a probe connected to a foiled ISIS attack and was associated with an individual who claimed to be the Australian commander of an ISIS cell. Authorities monitored Akram for six months before concluding he did not pose a continuing threat.
The victims of the Bondi Beach attack include Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who helped organize the event; 10-year-old Matilda Britvan; photographer Peter Meagher; Holocaust survivor Alexander Kleytman; and several others including Tibor Weitzen, Dan Elkayam, Reuven Morrison, and Yaakov Levitan.
Forty-one people were initially hospitalized after the attack. Twenty remain under treatment, and the process of identifying the remaining victims is ongoing. Prosecutors and counterterrorism officials say additional charges may still be filed as the investigation continues.