Australian authorities have filed 59 criminal charges, including terrorism and murder, against Naveed Akram, the surviving perpetrator of Sunday’s deadly attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, which left 15 people dead during a Hanukkah celebration.

The shooting has shocked Australia and is being described as one of the country’s deadliest hate-motivated attacks.

Akram, 24, carried out the attack alongside his father, Sajid Akram, 50, who was shot dead by police at the scene. The younger Akram remains hospitalized after emerging from a coma and has now been formally charged with one count of murder for each victim and 40 counts of attempted murder.

Police confirmed that the charges include committing a terrorist act and causing grievous harm with intent to kill.

Investigators also revealed that the attackers’ vehicle contained improvised explosive devices, raising serious concerns about the scale of the planned assault in Sydney.

More than 20 people remain hospitalized, several in critical condition. All identified victims so far were members of the Jewish community, reinforcing authorities’ assessment that the attack was driven by antisemitic hatred.

Research between Israel and Australia

According to investigators, both attackers pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.

Israeli-linked media outlets reported that evidence collected so far suggests a process of radicalization in recent years, prompting closer scrutiny of possible international links involving Israel and extremist networks.

Funerals for the victims have begun across Australia, with large crowds gathering at memorials near the Bondi Pavilion. Floral tributes and candles line the beachfront as the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives.

Among those killed was Eli Schlanger, 41, an assistant rabbi at Chabad-Lubavitch of Bondi and one of the organizers of the Hanukkah event. Born in London, Schlanger also served as a chaplain in prisons and hospitals throughout Sydney.

The oldest was a Holocaust survivor, while the youngest was a 10-year-old girl named Matilda. Her death has become a symbol of the tragedy, sparking nationwide vigils and calls for unity.

The debate reopened in Australia

The attack has reignited debates in Australia over antisemitism, violent extremism, gun control, and whether security measures at community events were sufficient. Jewish organizations have demanded stronger protections amid rising threats.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that the shooting was “a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State” and confirmed that Naveed Akram had previously drawn the attention of security agencies in 2019.

Authorities are now reviewing what was known about the suspects and whether warning signs were missed.

Investigators are also examining a trip the suspects made to the Philippines in November, where they traveled to Davao, a region once linked to extremist groups aligned with ISIS. Philippine officials confirmed the visit but said there is no evidence of recent foreign militant activity.

As the investigation continues, Australia faces a broader reckoning over how to prevent radicalization and protect vulnerable communities, while maintaining democratic values in an increasingly volatile global security environment.