SYDNEY, 16 February 2026 – Naveed Akram, the 24-year-old accused of carrying out Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades, has appeared in a Sydney court for the first time today. Dressed in prison greens, Akram appeared via video link to face 15 counts of murder and dozens of other charges related to the December 2025 terrorist attack at Bondi Beach.
Latest Court Developments
On Monday, 16 February 2026, Naveed Akram made his first public appearance since the massacre. During the brief hearing, the court outlined the “onerous conditions” under which Akram is being held in custody. He is charged with 15 counts of murder, as well as committing a terrorist act and wounding 40 others. Legal representatives for the accused spoke briefly outside the court, while the matter was adjourned for further evidence processing.
The Bondi Beach Attack
The incident occurred on 14 December 2025, during a Hanukkah celebration at Archer Park, Bondi Beach. Authorities allege that Naveed Akram and his father, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, targeted the Jewish gathering in an ISIS-inspired attack. According to police reports, Naveed Akram provided cover from higher ground using a .308 straight-pull rifle, enabling sustained fire across the site while his father engaged from a different position.
The attack resulted in 15 fatalities and left approximately 40 people wounded. It has been described as the worst mass shooting in Australia since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
Background and Investigation
Naveed Akram is a Pakistani-origin man from Bonnyrigg, a suburb in Sydney’s west. Investigations following the shooting revealed several critical details regarding his radicalisation and preparation:
- Intelligence History: ASIO had previously examined Akram in 2019 for ties to a Sydney-based Islamic State cell, though he was not detained at that time.
- Training: Reports indicate that both Naveed and Sajid Akram travelled to the Philippines for “military-style training” just one month before the attack.
- Radicalisation: Akram was identified as a follower of a notorious Sydney cleric and a volunteer for the “Street Dawah Movement,” a group with known links to Islamic State sympathisers.
- Premeditation: On the weekend of the attack, Akram reportedly told his family he was going on a fishing trip to conceal his intentions.
Suspect Profile: Naveed Akram
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 24 (at time of attack) |
| Origin | Pakistani |
| Residence | Bonnyrigg, NSW |
| Primary Charges | 15 counts of murder; Committing a terrorist act |
| Weapon Used | .308 straight-pull rifle |
| Alleged Accomplice | Sajid Akram (Father) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the charges against Naveed Akram?
Naveed Akram faces a total of 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder, committing a terrorist act, and multiple counts of attempted murder and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
When did the Bondi Beach shooting happen?
The attack took place on Sunday, 14 December 2025, during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach.
Was Naveed Akram known to police before the attack?
Yes. ASIO had interviewed Akram in 2019 regarding his associations with Islamic extremists. Furthermore, he was known to be a follower of radical preachers in the Sydney area prior to the events of December 2025.
What is the current status of the legal proceedings?
As of 16 February 2026, Naveed Akram remains in custody. His first court appearance occurred today via video link, and the case is expected to proceed through the NSW Supreme Court over the coming months.