
Bondi Beach terror suspect Naveed Akram, 24, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder, wounding with intent to murder, committing a terrorist act, and placing explosives near a building, following a deadly attack on a Hanukkah celebration on Dec. 14.
His father, Sajid Akram, 50, who was shot by police during the incident, died at the scene.
Naveed Akram, hospitalised in critical condition after being shot, woke from a coma on Dec. 16 under police guard.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said authorities waited to charge him to ensure he had the cognitive ability to understand the proceedings.
Police discovered two homemade ISIS flags in the vehicle used by the father and son, and investigations revealed the pair traveled to the Philippines last month, reportedly undergoing military-style training in Mindanao, a region long affected by Islamist insurgency.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett described the attack as "terrorist acts inspired by Islamic State" and emphasised that the actions were tied to extremist ideology, not religion.
At least 16 people were killed, including Sajid Akram, and more than 40 were injured, with 23 hospitalised.
Police officer Cesar "Sess" Barraza, who shot Sajid Akram, was hailed for his bravery.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged "real issues" within Australia's intelligence systems, while NSW Premier Chris Minns stressed the dangers of radicalisation.
Lanyon noted the incident has prompted a review of frontline officers' firepower, as police faced heavily armed gunmen with only handguns.
The investigation continues, with authorities examining links to international terrorist networks and the father-son duo’s motives.