Alleged Bondi Beach shooter Naveed Akram charged with terrorism, murder
Akram, who regained consciousness after being in a coma, also faces multiple charges related to other offences
The alleged father-and-son perpetrators killed 15 people on Sunday in an attack that shook Australia and intensified fears of rising antisemitism and violent extremism.
Funerals of the Jewish victims of the attack began on Wednesday amid anger over how the gunmen – one of whom was briefly investigated for links to extremists – were allowed access to powerful firearms.
New South Wales police said on Wednesday that a man had been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of wounding with attempt to murder, as well as a terror offence and other charges.
“Police will allege in court the man engaged in conduct that caused death, serious injury and endangered life to advance a religious cause and cause fear in the community,” it said in a statement.
“Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by Isis, a listed terrorist organisation in Australia.”