Sydney terror suspect charged after deadly attack that killed 15

Naveed Akram, the suspect in the Bondi Beach terror attack, has been formally charged following the incident in which he and his father are alleged to have killed 15 people.

According to investigators, cited by Sky News, Naveed, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, opened fire on members of the public attending a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach on Sunday. The shooting unfolded over approximately 10 minutes and resulted in the deaths of 15 people.

Sajid Akram was killed at the scene by authorities. Naveed Akram was taken to the hospital with serious injuries sustained during the attack and was placed in a coma. Police confirmed that he has since regained consciousness and has now been charged with multiple terrorism-related offences, including acts done in preparation for a terrorist act and carrying out an act of terrorism.

The charges follow the discovery of two homemade Islamic State flags inside the vehicle used by the father and son to travel to Bondi Beach. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett previously said that early findings in the investigation indicated the attack was “terrorist-inspired.”

“These are the alleged actions of those who have aligned themselves with a terrorist organisation, not a religion,” Barrett said at the time.

Investigators have also revealed that the two alleged attackers travelled to the Philippines in November, a country where Islamic State-linked groups have operated. The Philippines is considered a hub for Islamic militancy and was ranked 19th globally in the most recent Global Terrorism Index.

Philippine immigration authorities confirmed that Sajid and Naveed Akram arrived from Sydney on November 1 and left the country on November 28. Their final listed destination was Davao City, located on the southern island of Mindanao.

Mindanao has long been associated with extremist activity and has previously hosted Islamic State-linked militants and training camps. Philippine immigration officials said Sajid Akram was an Indian national who held Australian residency, while Naveed Akram was an Australian citizen.

The investigation into the attack remains ongoing.

By Tamilla Hasanova